Middle school trips have been a major component of the Carefree Learner for over 30 years. Thousands of Sarasota 7th graders have been out on the boat to experience firsthand the amazing variety of life in Sarasota Bay. We also provide tours to some district high schools.
A Typical Trip
A middle school trip begins at on the dock at Marina Jack. Once we are underway, the instructor tells the students how to set up their sorting boards, picks four students to carry four trays full of sea life from the stern of the boat to the sorting boards. An otter trawl net is pulled over the bay bottom for 1 or 2 minutes, and then brought back on board. The contents of the net are divided between student groups to examine.
Students search through macroalgae (seaweed) and sponge to discover a myriad of other species living on the bay bottom. Organisms are gently placed into two large aquariums to be discussed later.
Other activities include a trip to the Roberts Bay Bird Rookeries and Edwards Islands for bird and invasive species identification.
All organisms captured are returned to the seagrass beds at the end of the trip.
Interested in Taking your Students?
Email CarefreeLearner@gmail.com