Environmental Education School Programs
Our Environmental Education Programs at the University of North Florida provide school children with the unique opportunity of learning more about wildlife and nature while outdoors. All of our education programs are ranger guided and begin with an introduction to the University of North Florida and the UNF Wildlife Sanctuary. The concept of wildlife is discussed and relevant safety points are extensively described.
Our education programs are designed for K-9 grade. We strive to bring youth and the community into nature, hosting our programs in the 382 acre Sawmill Slough Preserve on campus. Along our five mile trail system, we teach participants about the local plants, animals and habitats that make up the preserve. Every program can be adapted to suit the age group of your students.
Each program is $5 per student/chaperone and free for teachers.
- BioBound
- Home for Ozzie
- Outdoor Odyssey
- Untamed Frontier
- Backyard Botany (expedited)
- Insects and Others (expedited)
BioBound
Explore Lake Loop to Gopher Tortoise and Beyond!
Embark on an exhilarating journey as we traverse the Lake Loop towards the Gopher Tortoise domain, circling back to complete our exploration. At the pavilion, dive deep into the rich tapestry of life that populates the UNF Wildlife Sanctuary. From the delicate dance of dragonflies to the graceful glide of the alligator and the slow-paced trek of tortoises, there’s a world of discovery at every turn. With riddles to solve and mysteries to uncover, immerse yourself in the enthralling world of BioBound. Adventure awaits!
Standards:
SC.3.L.15.1:Classify animals into major groups (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, arthropods, vertebrates and invertebrates, those having live births and those which lay eggs) according to their physical characteristics and behaviors.
SC.2.N.1.1:Raise questions about the natural world, investigate them in teams through free exploration and systematic observations, and generate appropriate explanations based on those explorations.
SC.1.N.1.3: Keep records as appropriate - such as pictorial and written records - of investigations conducted.
SC.2.L.16.1: Observe and describe major stages in the life cycles of plants and animals, including beans and butterflies.
Home for Ozzie
This program revolves around the children's book "A Home for Ozzie," written by current and former UNF Eco Adventure staff. The rangers will have story time with the students, followed by a hike through the preserve which will bring the story to life. The book focuses on Ozzie the Osprey, UNF's mascot, and the different habitats and animals we may encounter. Emphasis is placed on habitats and the different species found on the preserve.
Standards:
SC.K.L.14.3: Observe plants and animals, describe how they are alike and how they are different in the way they look and in the things they do.
SC.1.L.17.1:Through observation, recognize that all plants and animals, including humans, need the basic necessities of air, water, food, and space.
SC.2.L.17.2: Recognize and explain that living things are found all over Earth, but each is only able to live in habitats that meet its basic needs.
Outdoor Odyssey
Wander from Goldenrod and Blueberry trails, to Lake Loop and Gopher Tortoise!
Experience the wonders of the UNF Nature Trails, weaving through scenic spots like Goldenrod to Big Cypress Loop. Beginning at our pavilion, students will be taught the significance of protecting our environment from pollution and the vitality of outdoor wellness. Engage with the interactive ‘Leave No Trace’ principles and discover the magic of nature while promoting health and environmental stewardship. Join us for a trail adventure that educates and inspires!
Standards:
SC.3.L.17.2: Recognize that plants use energy from the Sun, air, and water to make their own food.
SC.4.L.16.3: Recognize that animal behaviors may be shaped by heredity and learning.
SC.5.L.15.1: Describe how, when the environment changes, differences between individuals allow some plants and animals to survive and reproduce while others die or move to new locations.
SC.2.N.1.1:Raise questions about the natural world, investigate them in teams through free exploration and systematic observations, and generate appropriate explanations based on those explorations.
Untamed Frontier
Roam from the Red Maple Boardwalk, through the Blueberry and Goldenrod trails
Take an explorative hike like no other, through UNF’s favorite nature trails. Meander through the beautiful Red Maple Boardwalk, wild Blueberry trail, scenic Goldenrod Trail, and finish with the fan-favorite Lake Loop. During our expedition together, students will discover the significance of North Florida’s flora and many natural processes that occur in nature, which are vital to the survival of all wildlife. Join us fellow explorers in this educational and interactive hike, which is fun for all!
Standards:
SC.3.L.14.1: Describe structures in plants and their roles in food production, support, water and nutrient transport, and reproduction.
SC.4.L.16.1: Identify processes of sexual reproduction in flowering plants, including pollination, fertilization (seed production), seed dispersal, and germination.
SC.5.L.15.1: Describe how, when the environment changes, differences between individuals allow some plants and animals to survive and reproduce while others die or move to new locations.
SC.6.L.14.2: Investigate and explain the components of the scientific theory of cells (cell theory): all organisms are composed of cells (single-celled or multicellular), all cells come from pre-existing cells, and cells are the basic unit of life.
Backyard Botany (expedited)
Trek the Lake Loop
Join us on an expedited hike where you will learn about several aspects of botany, relating to the flora found on our nature preserve. Students will learn about important processes that plants thrive, such as seed dispersal, the water cycle, and photosynthesis. This program can last anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Standards:
SC.3.L.14.1: Describe structures in plants and their roles in food production, support, water and nutrient transport, and reproduction.
SC.4.L.16.1: Identify processes of sexual reproduction in flowering plants, including pollination, fertilization (seed production), seed dispersal, and germination.
SC.5.L.15.1: Describe how, when the environment changes, differences between individuals allow some plants and animals to survive and reproduce while others die or move to new locations.
SC.6.L.14.2: Investigate and explain the components of the scientific theory of cells (cell theory): all organisms are composed of cells (single-celled or multicellular), all cells come from pre-existing cells, and cells are the basic unit of life.
Insects and Others (expedited)
Meander down Golden Rod trail to the Lake Loop
Join us on an expedited hike, where students will learn about several aspect of biology relating to the fauna found on the nature preserve. Students will learn about important processes that help animals thrive, such as the growth stages of insects and animals, symbiosis, and pollination. This program can last anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Standards:
SC.1.N.1.3: Keep records as appropriate - such as pictorial and written records - of investigations conducted.
SC.2.N.1.1:Raise questions about the natural world, investigate them in teams through free exploration and systematic observations, and generate appropriate explanations based on those explorations.
SC.3.L.15.1:Classify animals into major groups (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, arthropods, vertebrates and invertebrates, those having live births and those which lay eggs) according to their physical characteristics and behaviors.
Make an online payment for an Environmental Education Program.