Come share a day at the beach with us and discover that there is much more to our coastline than just a place to catch some rays! Our site location is a unique spot along the coastline of Broward County as it is a truly living beach in Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park (formerly known as John U. Lloyd Beach State Park). The golden sands are not just a place for tourists, but a place for discovery and appreciation of the environment around us. Students are immersed into a hands-on investigation of exploring the dynamic beach/ocean ecosystem. No two days are ever the same as the wind, waves, and tides constantly shape and change the shoreline and what can be discovered along it in our living classroom. Our goal is to have each child realize the difference they can make in the environment by the choices they consider and the impacts each can have on our coastline beaches of Florida.

Share in our full school day exploration of the coastal ecosystem. We are fortunate enough to be able to explore a living beach that is not dominated by towering hotels and condominiums in Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park in Broward County, Florida. Your “marine biologists” have an opportunity to explore the dune habitat and understand the succession that occurs as plants help shape our dune system. This beach is unique in Broward County as it is not “cleaned” for the tourists. Marine biologists may collect samples along the wrack line or a plankton tow to better understand the diversity and adaptations organisms have to be better suited for living in this extreme ecosystem. The physical aspects of our coastline are not to be overlooked as marine biologists collect data on tides, currents, and other physical and chemical properties that shape and influence our coastline. Don’t miss an opportunity to visit a place where mole crabs, osprey, sea turtles, and others call home.

On the return trip back to school, the instructor asks the teams of marine biologist to share their data, so comparisons can be made about the coastline and what changed or what was consistent throughout the day. With this knowledge obtained by their experience, marine biologists are able to make more informed decisions concerning our coastline and how to better protect and conserve what is left of this very precious and constantly changing ecosystem.

Cost of Program

A minimum of 35 students and a maximum of 50 students per day, plus 1 free adult for every 10 students. If the minimum number of students is not met, adults can be used to reach the minimum number of students (35) at the student rate - but those adults will not be used towards the 1:10 ratio of free adults. Additional adults over the free ratio are charged an additional cost.

If you have less than the minimum number of 35 students per day and you do not want to supplement them with adults, please contact us - we will work with you to determine your rates.

If you are interested in an all-adults program, please contact us to work with you to determine the rates and schedule for your exclusive program.

If you are interested in an exclusive individual family educational program, please contact us to determine rates and a schedule for your program.

This is a K - 12th grade school-day, 6-hour program (from start time to drop-off time). 

The rates are based on the number of participants, using our transportation (currently Florida Tours) or providing your own, extending your day, and whether you are based in Broward County or Palm Beach & Miami-Dade Counties. For other situations, please contact us.

If you are providing your own transportation, please be advised that there is an entrance fee into the park: $2/person or $60 flat fee for 30 or more on a bus. This is the State Park's fee.

NOTE: If you have multiple classes, multiple field trip days can be scheduled.

Important Information for Teachers

Approved transportation company used: Florida Tours

General Agenda (this may be changed based on timing that particular day):

• Pick up at school

• Drive to Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park

• Intro completed

• Dune vs Hammock / Physical & Chemical

• Lunch / Bathroom Break

• Fauna

• Drive back to school

Each team records data in their science logs.

Teams are responsible for recording the data they collected through an online form - students are participating in citizen science!

Coordinating teachers are given a list of "what to do/what to wear/what to bring" to share with all other participants. Most importantly -

REQUIRED BY ALL TO PARTICIPATE:

• Shoes that fit securely to feet (sandals, "water shoes", NO slip-ons or flip-flops, tennis shoes/sneakers are discourages since they will be walking in the water)

• Permission/Liability forms filled out completely/properly for each attending participant (both for students and all adults)

• Bagged/Sack lunch & Water bottle (a water cooler will be provided for participants to refill water bottles) - preferably labeled with their name

OPTIONAL, BUT SUGGESTED:

• Shorts (they can wear pants, but they will be walking into the water)

• Sunglasses

• Hat

• Towel

OPTIONAL, DEPENDENT ON CIRCUMSTANCES & PERSONAL PREFERENCES:

• Rain coat/poncho

• Sunblock

• Insect repellent

• Camera (beware, we will be in and around water throughout the day - best is waterproof or have a waterproof bag with a lanyard to hang around their neck to not get lost/dropped in the water)

DISCOURAGED TO BRING - WILL REMAIN ON THE BUS:

• Student cell phones (adults can carry theirs for picture taking - beware, we will be in and around water throughout the day)

• Money (we will NOT be going into the gift shop - students or adults - adults for emergencies only)

• Electronic games, "extra stuff", valuables, etc.

• No smoking of any kind at any time on the trip

• Change of clothes - there is not time for a change of clothes or shoes, they can do change when they get back to their school/location