October 17, 2005

Students at vegetation profile field lab

Principal Keith Hatcher at Ichetucknee

Students and biologist Sam Cole

LIFE Supports National Recommendations for Learning Science
The National Science Teachers Association recommends that the middle level science curriculum should “. . . engage students in laboratory investigations a minimum of 80% of the science instruction time . . .” This year, over 150 middle school students from Ft. White Middle School will complete 12 field labs as part of the LIFE-Ichetucknee Springs Parknership program for a total of 15 hours per student.

LIFE Partners: AmeriCorps
Starting in January 2006, the LIFE Program will begin a long and productive partnership with the AmeriCorps Program. One AmeriCorps member will begin working with park staff in support of the LIFE -Ichetucknee Springs Program.

LIFE $upport: Florida Springs Initiative
The Florida Springs Initiative approved a small grant (~$18,000) to support implementation of the LIFE Program at Ichetucknee Springs State Park and Wakulla Springs State Park. The funds will help cover the costs of curriculum integration workshops, equipment, teacher professional development using the new springs curriculum, and part-time OPS staff at the two LIFE sites.

LIFE-long Learning: SEMESTER@DEP
Middle school science teachers interested in gaining research experience through short-term summer employment with the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) can apply to participate in the SEMESTER@DEP program. This program matches a teacher (from a LIFE program school district) with a DEP scientist in a mentoring relationship allowing teachers to engage in ongoing research or monitoring programs. For more information, please contact Greg Ira (850.245.2132).

• November 3–5: The Florida Association of Science Teachers Annual Conference. Come join the workshop on Global Positioning Systems (GPS). For details go to: http://www.fastscience.org/ConferenceWorkshops.htm
• November 5: Project WET/ PLT workshop at Goldhead Branch State Park (6239 S.R. 21, Keystone Heights) in Clay County. To register, e-mail Brenda Weeks at bweeks@mail.clay.k12.fl.us.
• November 8: LIFE- Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve (GTMNERR) Program Launch
• November 19: Project WET workshop at the new GTMNERR Center. To register, contact Lori Dennard at ldennard@sjrwmd.com or 386.329.4563).

For more information on the LIFE Program, please go to http://www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/ed/default.htm.