1,600 Students to Conduct Scientific Research Along the Indian River Lagoon on October 10
By Space Coast Daily // October 5, 2019
Students, teachers and volunteers will collect samples from Volusia to Palm Beach
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – “A Day in the Life of the Indian River Lagoon” is a community-based, citizen science, and experiential research program designed to have students, teachers, and environmental partners collaborate in the collection of water quality and biological inventories along the Indian River Lagoon.
On October 10, approximately 1,600 students and teachers from about 40 schools, with the help of over 40 natural resource expert organizations, will engage in hands-on science exploration at approximately 40 sampling sites along the Indian River Lagoon.
Students, teachers, and volunteers will collect samples from Volusia to Palm Beach Counties representing the entire length of the IRL.
The second annual “A Day in the Life” features the simultaneous collection of scientific data by students using hands-on field techniques at various sites along the lagoon to learn firsthand how their local piece of the estuary fits into the larger ecosystem of the IRL.
Students will examine the chemical, physical, and biological parameters to generate a snapshot of the overall health of the aquatic ecosystem and biodiversity of the lagoon.
The “A Day in the Life of the Indian River Lagoon” event is co-coordinated and managed by S.E.A. a Difference Inc. and the Ocean Research & Conservation Association.
“A Day in the Life of the Indian River Lagoon is designed to help students develop an appreciation for and knowledge of the IRL and the current health issues and stressors facing this estuary,” said Program Coordinator Missy Weiss.
“It connects students to their natural world and allows them to become stewards of water quality and Florida’s diverse coastal ecosystems. The program also provides numerous opportunities for teachers to integrate various disciplines including math, language arts, social studies, art and certainly science into curriculum.”
Over 40 environmental partners such as, Florida Institute of Technology, Florida Oceanographic Society, Marine Discovery Center, US Fish & Wildlife, Marine Resources Council, Sea Turtle Preservation Society, Indian River Lagoon Aquatic Preserves, Brevard County Parks & Recreation, Florida Sea Grant, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Brevard Zoo, Manatee Observation & Education Center, The Nature Conservancy’s Blowing Rocks, St. Lucie County Oxbow Eco-Center, Loxahatchee River District, The River Center and more will work with students and teachers from over 40 schools and groups from the northern region of the lagoon to the southernmost region.
For a complete list of partners, please visit www.seaadifference.org
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