SKEEGIE SCIENCE AND NATURE ACADEMY

“Develop a passion

for learning. If you

do, you will never

cease to grow.”

Anthony J. D'Angelo

“Education is

not prepara-

tion for life;

education is

life itself.”

John Dewey

S.S.N.A Mission The mission of the Skeegie Science and Nature Academy is to develop a

passion for learning using the natural and cultural resources found in our

community with the purpose of filling empty minds with open ones.

S.S.N.A Phases The S.S.N.A will be implemented in 4 main phases:

Phase 1: Skeegie Outdoor Classroom

Use of outdoor classroom as a resource for the implementation of experiential

learning through environment in the school.

Phase 2: Skeegie Science and Nature Academy at Coral Reef Elementary

Establish a model of collaboration between school, environmental organization

and city park in the development of an Environmental and Educational Interdisci-

plinary Curriculum as part of the enrichment programs within the school.

Phase 3: Skeegie Science and Nature Center

Develop a Science and Nature Center within our park system run by students par-

ticipating in the S.S.A., with the purpose of creating learning experiences in our

community using nature as a classroom and playground.

Phase 4: Skeegie Environmental Interpretation Curriculum

Implementation of the Skeegie Interdisciplinary Curriculum within the schools of

Palmetto Bay and Miami Dade County using city parks and outdoor classrooms as

learning resources in the enhancement of the education of our city.

“Seeking knowledge in the environment experiencing great interdisciplinary education”

Skeegie’s Playground Skeegie was a beloved son that enjoyed the natural resources found in our beautiful South Florida. His playground was the flora and

fauna found in his backyard. The Skeegie Science Academy has the goal of teaching children in our community about the natural and

cultural resources found in their neighborhood, providing them with the necessary tools to utilize and incorporate those resources as a

classroom and playground to learn and enhance their education.

Nature as a classroom The Skeegie Science Academy will provide students

with a interdisciplinary curriculum based on the best

practices of experiential. This curriculum will incorporate

hands-on study session in which participants will learn

through experiences, encounters, discoveries and in-

quiries. This science and nature-based program will

allow students to explore the world around them while

gaining knowledge.

Nature as a playground The Skeegie Science and Nature Center will have the

main goal of developing a passion for learning while

creating unique and personal experiences using natural

and cultural resources found in our community. This

nature center will be the place where families and gen-

erations will discover and explore their backyards. Expe-

rienced naturalists and educators will provide the tools

creating opportunities to members of the Palmetto Bay

community to “play” in nature while learning .

J.B. “Skeegie” Story James Bailey Cash Jr., known affectionately to family and friends as "Skeegie”

was the son of Baily and Vera Cash, two laborers from the old town of Prince-

ton, now known as Miami Florida. Vera and Bailey Cash had been married for

ten years. Skeegie was their only child, and by all accounts this "tow-headed,"

blue-eyed boy was happy, healthy, and loved. On the night of his disappear-

ance on May 28, 1938, Mrs. Cash had bathed her son around nine o'clock,

dressed him in white-and-red-striped one-piece pajamas, put him in his crib in

the family bedroom, and read "the funny papers" to him until he fell asleep

around half past nine. She partially closed the bedroom doors, secured the

house, and then walked over to see her husband at the general store they

owned. She was unaware that McCall, her former tenant, was watching her

leave. When Skeegie's parents returned to the house at 10:10 P.M. and found

the boy was missing, their neighbors, who assumed the little boy "had gone

wandering," began searching the immediate vicinity. The first ransom note was

discovered by 1:00 A.M. indeed, the hunt for Skeegie and his kidnapper consti-

tuted the Federal Bureau of Investigation's "most intensive drive" since the

Lindbergh case and the capture of Bruno Richard Hauptmann; and despite

robust southern support for states' rights, in south Florida there was considera-

ble gubernatorial, local law enforcement, and popular support for an extensive

and intrusive federal investigation of the Cash case during the summer of

1938. Skeegie never returned home alive, but his legacy in our community

remains as the first time authorities and popular support worked intensively in

the establishment of laws and procedures that will ensure the security and

enjoyment of the children in our community.

OUTDOOR

CLASSROOM

An outdoor classroom is

an outdoor educational

facility that can be devel-

oped into a natural study

grounds for educators,

students and anyone in-

terested in the natural en-

vironment. All subjects or

curriculum can be pre-

sented in an outdoor

classroom. Outdoor class-

rooms also provide alter-

natives for all to gain a

better knowledge of what

natural resources are and

to understand the inter-

connectedness of these

resources. Opportunities

are available in an outdoor

classroom to educate

youth on the importance

of taking care of the envi-

ronment. An outdoor

classroom provides an

opportunity to experience

natural and human-

created characteristics of

the environment in a natu-

ral setting. It is a tool that

allows educators to take a

hands-on approach and

move their educational

curriculum outdoors. Out-

side every school building

exists a blossoming world

of “natural studies” with all

types of structures that

can do a better job of

teaching than video tapes

and computers, as chil-

dren often learn best by

“doing.” An exciting way to

teach youth how plants

grow and animals survive

is to let them mill in the

soil and catch grasshop-

pers in the grass. All ages

can take advantage of

teaching opportunities

provided in the great out-

doors, and an outdoor

classroom can facilitate

Phase 1: Skeegie Outdoor Class-room An outdoor classroom enhances opportunities for teachers to further develop teaching skills, con-

cepts, objectives and outcomes introduced in textbooks. The Skeegie Outdoor Classroom will

amplify this learning environment and make learning fun. The surrounding environment is a source

of knowledge that is often ignored in the indoor classroom. The Skeegie Outdoor Classroom will

provide a place for longterm observation as students learn how their activities affect the environ-

ment. As they gain skills and knowledge about the environment, students learn to make decisions

that affect the use and management of natural resources. The Skeegie Outdoor Classroom will

not be not only applicable when teaching environmental education, it will be integrated into art,

English, math, physical education and science teaching plans. Students may want to draw the

landscape in its natural setting or make leaf prints. They can write a journal or article on the pro-

gress of the Skeegie Outdoor Classroom or an essay on the environment and surroundings. The

Skeegie Outdoor Classroom will be the perfect place to study slope and elevation or how to take

measurements. The Skeegie Outdoor Classroom will provide a place for physical education where

students may hike, run cross country, play

outside games, or study safety and first aid.

Students can study natural cycles, collect

soil or water samples, observe weather pat-

terns, explore rock and land formations, and

these are just a few of the educational activ-

ities possible in an outdoor setting. The out-

door classroom will becomes a prime area

to enhance social and technical skills. It will

provide hands-on opportunities, such as

building trails and picnic tables, constructing

nesting/roosting boxes and designing trail

markers. Students will study cultures of yes-

teryear and how their ancestors used natu-

ral resources. In the Skeegie Outdoor

Classroom students will notice insects,

weather, plants and other details of nature

more acutely than when indoors.

Phase 2: Skeegie Science and Na-ture Academy The Skeegie Science and Nature Academy’s goal is to promote the seeking of knowledge

in the environment while experiencing great interdisciplinary education. In partnership with

Nature Postings Environmental and Interpretive educators, teachers and students will be

exposed to science and nature through hands-on study sessions taught once a week with-

in the school hours. Each session will be divided into lecture and outdoor lab.

Interdisciplinary The S.S.N.A will incorporate multidisciplinary approaches such as science, social studies,

math, language arts, art and more in the implementation of the study sessions. Each

study session will bring biofacts, artifacts, technology, animals and more to the school with

the purpose of creating connections between the topic taught and the students.

Experiential Learning Using microscopes, magnifying glasses,

from dissections to animal encounters, the

S.S.N.A will bring science and nature to the

school. In collaboration with Nature Post-

ings, an eco-tours and environmental organ-

ization, teachers, students and parents will

experience science through hands-on study

sessions. The SSNA will also incorporate

family weekend field trips as well as the use

of Coral Reef Park as an outdoor lab in the

implementation of the Skeegie Interdiscipli-

nary curriculum.

Experiential

education is a

philosophy that

informs many

methodologies

in which educa-

tors purposeful-

ly engage with

learners in di-

rect experience

and focused re-

flection in order

to increase

knowledge, de-

velop skills,

clarify values,

and develop

people's capaci-

ty to contribute

to their commu-

nities.

Skeegie Interdisciplinary Curriculum Overview Eye Spy (Using Lenses) - Learn how to obtain date using different lenses such as compound microscopes, stereoscopes, pocket microscopes and magnifying glasses.

Perspective Detectives (Observations and Inferences) - Use your 5 senses and gather information to make observations and inferences.

Leaf me alone! (Plants and Leaves) - Become a true botanists while learning the different parts of a plant and discover different types of leaves found in your backyard.

Getting Dirty! (Soil) - Get your hands dirty while studying different types of soil and its characteristics and properties.

Ocean Commotion (Ocean Currents, zones and habitats) - Submerge in the study of oceans, currents, zones and habitats and learn about the different adaptations found in each of

them.

Does it Matter? (Matter Properties and Measurements) - Everything around us is made out of matter. Learn how to calculate volume and mass using scientific tools.

He's got no backbone! (Invertebrate Animals) - Learn characteristics of invertebrate animals and encounter some of specimens like insects, worms and more!

Throw me a bone! (Vertebrate Animals) - Vertebrate animals have special skeletons adapted to their habitats and survival. Observe different skeletons and encounter some of these

wonderful creatures.

Life Blocks (Cell Biology) - Study the different parts of a cell including plant and animal cells, its organelles and functions.

Meteorology Station (Weather) - Become a meteorologist and learn the different weather conditions while conducting different experiments creating your own weather instruments.

Beyond our eyes (Space Science)- Learn about the solar system, constellation and more through hands -on activities and games.

Clues Everywhere (Forensic Science) - Solve a mock crime utilizing and learning about the different disciplines and techniques used in forensic sciences.

Culture by Nature (Social Studies)- Study how nature, habitats and natural resources have been the foundation of the creation of cultures, myths, traditions and social

groups.

Atomic Connection (Chemistry)- Discover the different parts of the atoms, molecules and reactions through hands -on activities and models.

Finding your way (Geography) -Create a 3D topographic model using contour lines maps.

Fish Tales (Fishes) - Learn about different classes of fishes, examine different types of fish and create a gyotaku master piece (fish print).

BFF: Beak, Feet and Feathers (Birds) - Using binoculars and field guides, learn about the different types of birds, its beaks, feet and feathers.

Double Life (Amphibians)- Encounter different types of amphibians while learning about their transition from aquatic life to walking on land.

Sun Bathers (Reptiles)- Feel the scaly bodies of different types of reptiles through animal encounters and learn about the behavior and myths behind these creatures.

Furry Friends (Mammals)- Meet our furry friends and Learn about mammals through fur observation.

Crazy Six and Eights (Insects and Arachnids)- Are you afraid of creepy crawlies? Hold on your hands some of these insects and spiders and learn that most of your fears

are not real!

Ink, Pen and Tentacles (Cephalopods)- Find fun facts about octopuses, squid, cuttlefish and nautilus and take the opportunity to write your name with squid ink whi le

studying its anatomy through a squid dissection.

Colorful Coral Creations (Coral Reefs)- Discover the wonderful world of coral reefs, its inhabitants and adaptations while creating piece of art.

Mangrove Madness (Mangroves)- Red, black, white or buttonwood? Study the Florida mangroves, its inhabitants and characteristics.

Under the Sea-grasses (Seagrasses and Algae) - What is under the sea-grasses? Learn about the differences between seagrasses and algae and make an algae print using real

samples.

Who dung it? (Scat and Tracks) - Discover all the facts we can find from an animal just observing and analyzing scat (feces) and tracks and play a game to discover who dung the

scat.

Survivors!!! (Adaptations)- Learn how different plants and animals survive in their habitats studying adaptations and behaviors and encounter different animals to observe

some of them.

Beneath our Feet! (Rocks and Minerals)- Learn about the rock cycle through games, hands -on activities and rocks observations.

Nature Memoirs (Journaling)- Learn how to create a dynamic and unique nature journal and apply different types of literature and art genres to record your encounters,

discoveries and memories in nature.

Bundle Buddies (Taxonomy and Classification)- Use dichotomy keys and understand how to classify plants and animals according to the characteristics they have in com-

mon.

Drifters, Swimmers and Walkers (Plankton, Nekton and Benthos) - Learn the different adaptations found in the world of plankton, nekton and benthos.

Skeegie Interdisciplinary Curriculum Implementation

First Tuesday of Each Month

9:00-10:00– Group A

10:05-11:05– Group B

11:10-12:10– Group C

12:10-12:30– BREAK

12:30-1:30– Group D

1:35-2:35– Group E

Grades

TBD by Coral Reef Administra-

tion

First Thursday of Each Month

9:00-10:00– Group F

10:05-11:05– Group G

11:10-12:10– Group H

12:10-12:30– BREAK

12:30-1:30– Group I

1:35-2:35– Group J

Grades

TBD by Coral Reef Administra-

tion

Second Tuesday of Each Month

9:00-10:00– Group K

10:05-11:05– Group L

11:10-12:10– Group M

12:10-12:30– BREAK

12:30-1:30– Group N

1:35-2:35– Group O

Grades

TBD by Coral Reef Administra-

tion

Second Thursday of Each

Month

9:00-10:00– Group P

10:05-11:05– Group Q

11:10-12:10– Group R

12:10-12:30– BREAK

12:30-1:30– Group S

Grades

TBD by Coral Reef Administra-

tion

Third Tuesday of Each Month

9:00-10:00– Group U

10:05-11:05– Group V

11:10-12:10– Group W

12:10-12:30– BREAK

12:30-1:30– Group X

1:35-2:35– Group Y

Grades

TBD by Coral Reef Administra-

tion

Second Thursday of Each

Month

9:00-10:00– Group Z

10:05-11:05– Group AA

11:10-12:10– Group BB

12:10-12:30– BREAK

12:30-1:30– Group CC

Grades

TBD by Coral Reef Administra-

tion

Fourth Tuesday of Each Month

9:00-10:00– Group EE

10:05-11:05– Group FF

11:10-12:10– Group GG

12:10-12:30– BREAK

12:30-1:30– Group HH

1:35-2:35– Group II

Grades

TBD by Coral Reef Administra-

tion

Fourth Thursday of Each Month

9:00-10:00– Group JJ

10:05-11:05– Group KK

11:10-12:10– Group LL

12:10-12:30– BREAK

12:30-1:30– Group MM

1:35-2:35– Group NN

Grades

TBD by Coral Reef Administra-

tion

40 Classes of 24 students from Coral Reef Elementary

NATURE CENTER is an

organization with an inter-

pretive center designed to

educate people about na-

ture and the environment.

Usually located within a

state or city park, these

properties are character-

ized with natural and cultur-

al resources as well as

abundant wildlife. where

general public as well as

summer camp, after-school

and school group programs

can learn through environ-

mental interpretation.

These centers allow guests

to participate in interpretive

activities which examine

and reveal in an attractive

way the characteristics of

an area and its biophysical

and cultural relation- ships,

through direct experiences

which generate enjoyment,

sensitivity, knowledge and

commitment to the values

interpreted.

Nature Centers focused

their efforts in Environmen-

tal education teaching how

natural environments func-

tion, and particularly, how

human beings can manage

behavior

and ecosystems to live sus-

tainably. Integrating disci-

plines such as biology,

chemistry, physics, ecolo-

gy, earth science, atmos-

pheric science, mathemat-

ics, and geography nature

centers imply education

within the school system,

from primary to post-

secondary. Nature Centers

main goal is the teaching of

individuals, and communi-

ties, in transitioning to a

society that is knowledgea-

ble of the environment and

its associated problems,

aware of the solutions to

these problems, and moti-

vated to solve them.

Phase 3: Skeegie Science and Nature Center The Phase 3 of the Skeegie Science and Nature Acade-

my is the development of a community nature center at

Coral Reef Park. This nature center will provide the

community with tools, eco-tours, lectures, summer and

after school programs, family festivals and more in

where people from all ages can enjoy and learn about

the environment and the cultural resources of South Florida and the world. The Skeegie

Science and Nature Center will be the platform for internship for students participating in

the Skeegie curriculum and will be the place where they can put into practice the

knowledge acquire through the academy in the implementation of programs based on

environmental interpretation for the benefit of the families in the community.

The Skeegie Science and Nature Center will be the main outdoor lab resource for all the

schools in the area of Palmetto Bay and adjacent cities, where students can participate in

field study sessions and workshops enhancing the quality of education in our city.

Phase 4: Skeegie Environmental Interpretation Curriculum The Skeegie Environmental Interpretation Curriculum will be the model of partnership be-

tween schools and city parks. Utilizing environmental interpretation education as a catalyst

to foster changes in the local school curriculum, professional development for teachers,

class instruction, and even how our local schools are structured and form School/

Organizations with local environmental educators, Nature Postings and other organizations

will launch a pilot “school within a school” that encourages environmental stewardship and

methods of using sites to teach.

The Skeegie Environmental Interpretation Curriculum will be offered during the school year

and bring best practices in using sites to teach into the formal classroom setting and serve

as a replicable model across the school district and the United States.

By means of a science based curriculum that includes lesson plans, activities, fossils, spec-

imens and materials for studies in ecology, biology, marine biology, geology, archaeology

and environmental science. The primary goal of our educational programs is to educate

community members, particularly youth, about providing solutions to critical urban prob-

lems.

The S.E.I.C educates our community about preserving our biodiversity through environ-

mental stewardship, en-

vironmental sustainabil-

ity, and overall resource

management. Ultimately,

we hope to teach individ-

uals that we can con-

serve the life sustaining

resources of our planet.

The curriculum used in

the program will be col-

laboratively developed

between Nature Postings

and administration at the

host school.

ENVIRONMENTAL INTER-

PRETATION EDUCATION

is an educational activity that

aims to reveal meanings

about our cultural and natu-

ral resources. Through vari-

ous media - including talks,

guided tours, and exhibits -

interpretation enhances our

understanding, appreciation,

and, therefore, protection of

historic sites and natural

wonders. Interpretation is an

informational and inspiration-

al process that occurs in our

nation's parks, forests, wild-

life refuges, zoos, museums,

and cultural sites. Interpreta-

tion is an educational activity

which aims to reveal mean-

ing and relationships through

the use of original objects,

by firsthand experience, and

by illustrative media, rather

than simply to communicate

factual information. It is the

helping of the students to

feel something that the inter-

preter feels - a sensitivity to

beauty, complexity, variety,

interrelatedness of the envi-

ronment; a sense of wonder;

a desire to know. It should

help the students feel at

home in the environment. It

should help the students de-

velop perception, create un-

derstanding, assist in devel-

oping a keener awareness,

appreciation and under-

standing of the environment,

accomplish management

goals and promote public

understanding of the natural

and cultural resources found

in the community. The edu-

cation is pleasurable, rele-

vant, organized, and enrich-

es lives through engaging

emotions, enhancing experi-

ences and deepening under-

standing of people, places,

events and objects from past

and present.

Programs Costs: Phase 1: Use of Outdoor Classroom for Coral Reef Academy

Description: One time use of outdoor classroom for all students of Coral Reef Elemen-tary in May 2016

Total of Classes: 40 classes

Total of Days served: 8 Days (7 hours per day: 56 hours (2 educators plus materials)

Cost: $7500

Phase 2: Implementation of Skeegie Science and Nature Academy twice a week for

all students at Coral Reef Elementary school year 2016-17

Description: Implementation of 1 hour hands-on study session and outdoor lab using Coral Reef Park and outdoor classroom in school

Total of Classes a month: 40 classes a month

Duration of the program: September-May

Cost of the Program including 2 instructors and materials: $60,000 school year

Phase 3: The Skeegie Science and Nature Center

Description: TBD

Phase 4: Implementation of the Skeegie Environmental Interpretation Curriculum in

other schools

Once a week program: $30,000 School year

Twice a week program: $60,000 school year

We cannot create

observers by say-

ing 'observe', but

by giving them

the power and the

means for this ob-

servation and

these means are

procured through

education of the

senses.

Maria Montessori

The Skeegie Sci-

ence and Nature

Academy and Na-

ture Center will

change the world

through education,

experiences and

enjoyment of our

natural and cultural

resources.

Education is simply the soul of a

society as it passes from one

generation to another.

Gilbert K. Chesterton

Education alone can conduct us

to that enjoyment which is, at

once, best in quality and infinite in

quantity.

Horace Mann

There is no end to education. It is

not that you read a book, pass an

examination, and finish with edu-

cation. The whole of life, from the

moment you are born to the mo-

ment you die, is a process of

learning.

Jiddu Krishnamurti

The function of education is to

teach one to think intensively and

to think critically. Intelligence plus

character - that is the goal of true

education.

Martin Luther King, Jr.