DEP's LIFE Program Engages Students in Protecting Coastal Environment 

“For many students, the natural world and environmental issues capture their attention and provide opportunities to both learn and serve in their community,” said Greg Ira, DEP’s Director of Environmental Education. “The LIFE program allows teachers and school administrators to provide rigorous and relevant science instruction in Florida’s outdoor classroom that can increase student achievement in science and inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.”

In November 2007, DEP’s LIFE program received a 2007 Coastal America Partnership Award from the federal government recognizing the partnership between DEP and local schools to restore, protect and educate the public on the coastal environment. As a partner to the LIFE program, the St. Johns County School District is a co-recipient of the 2007 Coastal America Partnership Award. St. Johns County School District Superintendent Dr. Joseph Joyner and Sebastian Middle School Principal Kelly Battell as well as Sebastian Middle School teachers were presented with a 2007 Coastal America Partnership plaque and a letter from the President of the United States acknowledging the contribution from teachers, school district administrators and students.

DEP’s Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve will host more than 100 Sebastian Middle School seventh grade students as part of the LIFE program this school year. Each student will participate in a series of outdoor environmental science labs throughout the school year.

“We have enjoyed a four-year working relationship with the GTM Reserve,” said Sebastian Middle School Principal Kelly Battell. “This environmental study creates real-world applications for students, increasing their understanding of and achievement in science and inspires them to make well-informed environmental decisions now and as adults.”

The Coastal America Partnership was established in 1992 to protect, preserve and restore coastal watersheds by integrating federal actions with state and local government and non-governmental efforts. Federal partners include the Departments of Agriculture, Air Force, Army, Commerce, Defense, Energy, Housing and Urban Development, Interior, Navy, State and Transportation, as well as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Executive Office of the President. To recognize outstanding partnership efforts, Coastal America created a national awards program in 1997.

Since 2004, nearly 3,500 future scientists and stewards have participated in the LIFE program. The LIFE initiative seeks to establish a series of field-based, environmental-science education programs around the state. Each of the nine existing programs is a partnership between the DEP and a local school district. The goal of each LIFE program is increased student achievement and teacher professional development in science, with the content and delivery varying from site to site.

For more information about the LIFE program, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/ed/.