The Teacher's Corner

THE NATURE CLASS ROOM SCHOOL PROGRAM

MacArthur Beach State Park offers a variety of programs designed for school groups. The goal is to provide students with an outdoor experience in an environment found nowhere else in Palm Beach County. It is a perfect opportunity for students of all ages to learn first hand about the plant and animal communities unique to coastal southeast Florida and to observe the four habitats of the Park; estuary, hardwood hammock, beach and offshore reef.

To ensure an effective learning atmosphere, each program’s content is designed for specific grade levels and is lead by trained volunteers and/or Park staff. Below is a list of offered programs:

• Habits and Habitats * Designed for Kindergarten - 2nd Grade
  Students will take a guided nature walk along the board walk exploring the hardwood hammock, mangrove estuary, dune, and shoreline. The program includes a tour of the nature center and exhibit room highlighting the sea turtle, non-venomous snakes and marine aquariums. Students will also participate in a “Who Am I “guessing game as well as other hands-on activities.
  Download K-2 Grade Workbook (17 pages plus 13 full page nature related coloring book style pages)
  


• Plants Plus * Designed for 3rd Grade
  The focus of this program is to identify the major parts of a plant, describe each of its functions and explain conditions necessary for plant growth. We’ll focus on the hardwood hammock environment, plant productivity and biodiversity, as well as plant uses for living and nonliving organisms. Students will start their day at the North Pavilion where they will be given an introduction to the hardwood hammock. They will then be guided on a three-quarter mile walk through the Satinleaf Trail with provided activities such as, a leaf identification game and a discussion of tree rings and tree growth.
  Download Third Grade Workbook (20 pages)
  


• The Florida Environment * Designed for 4th & 5th Grade
  After receiving an overview of the Parks natural resources, participants will have a chance to encounter some of Florida's State Symbols, such as the Heliconius charitonius (zebra longwing butterfly) and the Sable palmetto. This program gives students an opportunity to experience and improve their skills in wildlife observation. An indoor scavenger hunt in the Nature Center will follow their guided walk.
  Download Fourth Grade Workbook (20 pages)
  
  
• Beach and Dune Dynamics or Estuary Exploration * Designed for 6th - 12th Grades
  In this program, students delve into an interactive lesson about the changing nature of the beach and dune environments. Students are given the opportunity to examine how the forces of the sun, wind and water shape these ecosystems. While exploring the beach and dune habitats, students investigate how plants have evolved to adjust to the harsh conditions.
  
  Participants will conduct field-based observations such as:
  • Evaluating wrackline elements and human impact on the shoreline
  • Examining the diversity of dune life
  • Comparing variations of a particular species of plant that lives in different environments


• Estuary Exploration * Designed for 6th - 12th Grades
  This hands-on encounter lets students investigate the estuary ecosystem, discovering its scientific and social significance. Many diverse species make estuaries their home. For birds, fish and other animals, the estuary is a feeding ground and a nursery. Trees and plants along its shores and within its waters have adapted to its brackish water and tidal changes. In examining this unique environment, students gain greater awareness of the interdependence of its inhabitants.
  Students get involved by:
  • Using seine nets to gather specimens (activity in water)
  • Examining organisms with microscopes
  • Identifying plants and animals that play an invaluable role in the ecosystem

Special Note: All programs may be customized to suit the needs of the student’s current curriculum if given enough notice.

For more information about bringing your school, church or camp group to the Park, please contact one of our Park Specialists at (561) 624-6970.