Investigating Biodiversity

With hands-on, outdoor exploration using real scientist tools, students will be community scientists who help investigate and understand the diversity of invertebrates within Emilio Wilson Park. The class’s observations can help the Nature Foundation make science-based recommendations for a parkland in Sint Maarten.

The potential park will be dedicated to cultivating natural habitats and providing more access to nature for people on the island. Islands with healthy forest ecosystems also help create healthy communities. Science shows they decrease the impacts of storm damage, improve water quality so coral can grow, and decrease the populations of disease-ridden mosquitos. Additionally parks can also provide many community benefits, such as having space to mentally reflect; do physical activity; and create shared social experiences.

Please prepare your class:

• Please have students pre-assigned into 7 groups. Groups will be sharing tools for outdoor explorations and investigation.

Each student should bring:

• Sun protection

• Close-toed shoes

• Something write on (e.g. clipboard or notebook)

• printed and signed photography waiver

Accessibility: The space is outdoors, in a mostly flat area with some slight incline and uneven terrain. Please let us know if this environment might pose a challenge for anyone in your group so we can adjust as needed. Additionally we use inclusive instructional design. Please reach out to us if there are specific accommodations that would help your group engage with the activities.

Please meet Nature Foundation Staff in the parking lot at Emilio Wilson Park.