Explore the Wonders of the Coast
Ages 6 and up
Perfect for Camp and Weekend Outings!
Students will relate to the ocean & beach as more than a playground or a place to "catch some rays". First-hand experience with the "elements" which make up and end up on the beach will open eyes to the real treasures that abound along this popular strip of Florida. Shuffle through the sand and search for what has helped make South Florida a visitor’s hot spot. Observe what so many who visit the beach miss…from sand fleas to gumbo limbo trees!
During the...
Introduction.... Participants are introduced to the formation processes and anatomy of our beaches and how they have changed over the last 100 years. All program choices include the introduction.
*Critter or Litter... Participants learn how the ocean is an amazing combination of biology and physics and how the ocean currents move food, organisms and plants around the world – picking up and carrying trash along the way. Besides the gyres out in the open ocean collecting trash, so does our coast…
All teams will participate in a Mini-Beach-Cleanup taking note of what critters have adapted to making trash their homes. Our way of thanking Mother Nature for providing us the beach and ocean!
Beach Decepticons... Learn about camouflage and adaptations. Marine Biologists create a unique beach critter that only “predators” with the best senses will be able to detect.
Beach Treasure Hunt... Teams use clues to find more clues to find more clues… to uncover hidden treasures. Only Marine Biologist have the skills and senses to unearth the booty.
Coastal Appetite... Teams comb the wrack line and dig at the tide line looking for organisms big and small that use the beach for shelter and food. After the beachcombers find curious items we all come together to identify and discuss the findings.
Plankton Tow... Each team member tows and taps out tiny organisms from their plankton net. Identification charts help the scientists discover what creates the majority of the oxygen on the planet as well as what helps feed the gigantic whale shark!
Pigment Parade... Participants walk along the dune trails and hammock boardwalk looking for the good, the bad and the pretty. Recognizing various plants is important if you want to make a living fence, relieve a sunburn or avoid an irritating rash.
Seine Netting... As a group we work together to pull the net, shuffle to guide organisms, and see what we get! Possibly fish, crabs and shrimp, oh my!
Sand Castles & Storm Surges... Teams discover the impact we make by building homes, shopping centers and more on our beaches. After building sand castles the “home and shopping center owners” realize the fury of a hurricane depending on where they built their structure.
The Coastal Excursion takes place on the beach: parking at the first parking lot, taking the north boardwalk at Dr. Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park (6503 N. Ocean Drive Dania Beach, Florida 33004). Programs are 1.5 to 3.5 hours depending on the combination level you choose. May through October all levels take place in the morning hours to avoid the heat and afternoon rains that occur during the wet season.
There are 3 different Levels of the Coastal Excursion. All include the introduction and Critter or Litter for a maximum of 25 participants. See below for what each includes.
Program Levels
Manatee ~ Choose five (5) of the activities from above. (3.5 hours) $435/program
Green Sea Turtle ~ Choose three (3) of the activities from above. (2.5 hours) $385/program
Barracuda ~ Choose one (1) of the activities from above. (1.5 hours) $335/program
If you have more than 25 participants, please call us to discuss options.
Please be advised that there is an entrance fee into the park: either $2/person or $60 flat fee for 30 or more on a bus. This is the State Park's fee. If you would like us to provide the transportation, and the park's fee is included, please call us for rates.