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Travis SnyderPedagogy of PlaceJune 23, 2014Field Study Document

Course Description

During this field study, we will dive deeper into our Marine Science investigations by

visiting one of the most unique aquatic ecosystems in the Unites States: the Florida Springs. As

you know the springs of North Central Florida make up the largest concentration of springs in

the world.

We will spend the next several days exploring some of these springs, and documenting

various species that call this aquatic ecosystem their home. We will focus much of our attention

to the West Indian Manatee as we snorkel in their winter habitat while considering the human

actions that threaten their existence. We will also embark upon a “drift snorkel” down Rainbow

River where we will observe myriad fish, birds, and turtles that make their home amongst the

springs. Finally, as a way to serve the community that seeks to protect this aquatic habitat and

all of its indigenous species, we will conduct cleanup operations along the riverbanks near the

manatee protected zones.

Course Objectives

You will learn ❏ To identify springs from the water’s surface

❏ To safely anchor and dock a pontoon boat

❏ To safely board and disembark from a pontoon boat

❏ To safely apply the snorkeling techniques learned in the pool to the open water

❏ To safely maneuver around the manatee protected zones

❏ To observe these animals in their natural habitat in a non-threatening manner

❏ To identify several plant and animal species indigenous to this aquatic habitat

❏ Some of the legislation enacted to protect the West Indian Manatee

❏ How volunteers work to rescue sick or injured animals

❏ How volunteers work to educate the public about manatee protection

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❏ How to serve the community that works to protect these animals

Guiding Questions

❏ What are some good preparatory practices to follow before entering the water for

swimming or snorkeling at a new site?

❏ What are the steps involved in preparing a boat for docking or anchoring.

❏ What are some of the dangerous species you might encounter during this study?

❏ What are some preventative steps you can take to diminish these risks?

❏ Explain your perspective on humankind’s connection to the marine environment.

Consider the following:

a. In what ways do we change the landscape of the marine environment?

b. In what ways does the answer to the above question affect marine biodiversity?

❏ What are some of the measures being taken to limit the negative human impact on the

marine environment? Consider what you have learned during our study of the West

Indian Manatee.

❏ How do you see your role in the interconnectedness between humans, marine life, and

the hydrosphere?

❏ If you could implement one piece of legislation to help the marine environment, what

would it be? Be sure to be fair in your approach. The goal should be to maximize

efficacy of protective measures without alienating the people that rely on the marine

environment for their livelihoods. Consider the role that local, state, and federal

government agencies play in this process

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Opening and Closing Ceremony

For the opening ceremony, each student will pick a stone from the basket. Once they

have each picked a stone, they will be instructed to write one word that represents a goal they

have for themselves over the coming week. Once each student had written his or her word, the

basket will be passed around and they will place the stones back in. The goal is for the

students to work toward actualizing the sentiment or behavior represented by the word they

wrote on the rock.

For closing ceremony, students will pick up their stone and spend a few minutes

reflecting on whether or not they have actualized the sentiment or behavior represented by their

chosen word, and will then quietly head down to the water’s edge and skip their stone out into

the river.

Community Building Activity

Group Juggling

Form a circle with everyone standing up facing the inside of the circle. The leader of the group

will begin with one object in hand (i.e. a small ball). The leader will ask one group member to

repeat their name, and then the leader will gently toss the object to that group member. The

group member will reply "Thank you, (the leader's name)!" The leader will reply by saying, "Your

welcome, (the individual's name)!? The object will continue around the circle in the same

manner, making sure everyone has received the object, until the object ends up in the hands of

the original leader. NOTE: During the first round, once a group member has tossed the object,

have them cross their arms to prevent repetition. The same pattern will start again with the

leader adding more objects. Once an object has been dropped, the pattern starts all over with

the first object.

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Community Service Component

The community service component to this field study will consist of cleaning the banks

adjacent the Manatee protected zones. I have sent an email to the Florida Fish and Wildlife

Conservation Commission to nail down what limitations we will face when performing this

service component. I have also asked them for additional opportunities or suggestions for

service work. I will amend this once I have heard back from them. At any rate, the service

component is scheduled for 1:00-4:30 on Wednesday afternoon.

Calendar

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Daily Assignments

The Field Study Itinerary that follows gives a general overview of how each day is

structured. In addition to the activities listed, students will use field notebooks, cameras, video

cameras, and various drawing materials to document their experiences during the field study.

Once back at school, students will use the data they collected in the field along with their notes

and reflections to create a multimedia presentation. I have included a Daily Assignment Sheet

at the end of this section. It will be handed out to the student along with the itinerary, and will

include journal prompts and information on the project.

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Morning Afternoon Evening

Monday March 2,

2015

5:30 amArrive at WMPCS

6:00 amDepart WMPCS

Rest Stop/Eat Packed Lunch 5:30 - 6:30Dinner stop TBD

7:30 - 9:00Hotel Check-In

Tuesday March 3,

2015

7:00- 8:30Breakfast and Community

Meeting

8:30 - 12:00Manatee Education

12:30 - 1:00Lunch

1:00 - 4:30Pontoon Excursion to King

Spring

4:30-5:15Journal Reflections and Notes

5:30 - 6:30Dinner TBD

7:30 - 8:30Group Reflections

Wednesday March 4,

2015


Meeting

8:30 - 12:00Pontoon Excursion toThree Sisters Springs

12:30 - 1:00Lunch

1:00 - 4:30River Cleanup Project




ThursdayMarch 5,

2015


Meeting

8:30 - 1:00Rainbow River Drift

Snorkel

1:00 - 1:30Lunch

1:00 - 4:30TBD




Friday March 6, 2015


Meeting

8:30 - 12:30Ellie Schiller Wildlife Park

1:00 - 1:30Lunch

1:00 - 4:30TBD




Saturday March 7,

2015

6:00 - 7:00Breakfast and Load Vehicles

7:00

Depart for WMPCS

Rest Stop/Eat Packed Lunch 5:30 - 6:30Dinner stop TBD

9:00Arrive at WMPCS

Field Study Daily Assignment Sheet

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Name _______________________

Each of you will be responsible for documenting the things you see and learn into your field notebooks, and

will also be required to draw, photograph, or videotape some of the animals and plants you observe. This

information will be used when back in the classroom to create an individual presentation of what you did and

learned while on this field study.

Each student will be required to complete each of the items in the following chart. Check the box when

you have completed the activity, and take a moment to write a short reflective comment for each activity. Be sure to

document your self-evaluation score after considering the information contained in the leadership rubric. You can

use any of the Journal prompts listed below, or you may write about something that you feel is pertinent to the day’s

activities.

Journal Prompts

❏ What connections did you observe today between you, your classmates, and the environment?

❏ How do you feel about the way the local people interact with the indigenous wildlife?

❏ What are some of the things that concern you about the natural balance in Crystal River?

❏ Can you relate the manatee’s plight with another animal you are familiar with?

Day Activity/ Comments

Tuesday ❏ In-Field Documentation: ___________________________________________

❏ Journal Reflection: _______________________________________________

❏ Leadership Rubric: _______________________________________________

Wednesday ❏ In-Field Documentation: ___________________________________________



Thursday ❏ In-Field Documentation: ___________________________________________



Friday ❏ In-Field Documentation: ___________________________________________



Budget

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The budget listed below accounts for 15 total participants: 3 teachers, 1 chaperone, and

12 students. The cost of the trip will be divided among the 12 students and chaperone. This

will work out to between $450 and $500 per person.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

3/2/2014 3/3/2014 3/4/2014 3/5/2014 3/6/2014 3/7/2014

Van Rental $125 $125 $125 $125 $125 $125 $750.00

Fuel $150 $20 $20 $150 $340.00

Food $225 $225 $225 $225 $225 $225 $1,350.00

Lodging $460 $460 $460 $460 $460 $2,300.00

Boat Rental $60 $60 $120.00

Wetsuit Rental $120 $120 $120 $360.00

Field Notebooks $15 $15.00

Dive Slates $60 $60.00

Rainbow River $65 $65.00

Wildlife Park $156 $156.00

Total $5,516.00

Travel and Field Logistics

As of this writing, the plan is to rent a 15-passenger van for the trip to and from

Homosassa, Florida. My co-teacher and myself will take turns driving the van. If our numbers

look to move over 15, we will have to consider renting two vans or chartering a small tour bus.

We are starting a new High School in the 2014-2015 school year and I am still unsure about the

enrolment numbers. Additionally, I am still checking into whether or not there are any legal

issues regarding driving being done by faculty members. If there is, then we will have to use a

charter company.

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We will lodge at the Holiday Inn in Crystal River, FL. The hotel has eight sets of

adjoining rooms, which will allow for all students to be in a room or connected room with either a

teacher or chaperone. Each room also has a refrigerator so we will be able to keep milk,

cheese, and lunchmeats cold.

Breakfast will consist of cereal milk and fruit. The students will pack lunches each

morning before leaving for the day’s activities. Dinner will be provided by nearby restaurants.

Boats will be rented from Crystal River Dive Center. We will need two boats to

accommodate the entire group. The teachers will be responsible for driving the boats to and

from the snorkeling/study sites.

Seminar Readings

I have two readings listed because one is a poem that is referenced in the larger piece, and I wanted to use the poem as one of the opening questions.

Sylvia Earle’s “My Wish to Protect Our Oceans” - Ted Talk TranscriptMy Wish to Protect Our Oceans

Ray Anderson’s “Tomorrow’s Child”Tomorrow's Child

Opening Questions

❏ Take a moment to imagine an Earth devoid of water. What do you see?

❏ Considering this vision, which words would you use to describe the Earth’s state, and

mankind’s role in moving our planet to this state?

❏ Who is Tomorrow’s Child as described in Ray Anderson’s poem?

❏ The first stage of dealing with a problem effectively is to first admit that you have a

problem. Do you think society feels that we have a problem when it comes to the future

of our planet? Use some examples to explain your position.

❏ The term Earthlings is used in the last paragraph on Page 1. Who do you see as being

Earthlings?

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Leadership Rubric

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Parent Communication

Washington Montessori Public Charter SchoolField Study Guidelines for Chaperones

Below are some guidelines we have developed to help ensure the trip goes smoothly and safely:

1. Supply cellular phone number to teacher or room parent, if available, and keep phone with you and powered on throughout the field trip, unless otherwise required by field trip location (i.e. theatres).

2. Arrive by the time specified so departure can be unhurried and orderly.

3. Review the guidelines and ask questions if you are uncertain of the details.

4. You will be provided with a list of students that you are responsible for. Keep it with you at all times. It is imperative that you do a head count before departing the school, before and after moving between venues, and again before departing the field trip location. Never assume that a student has gone with someone else (parent, etc.).

5. Students should remain together on the way to and from the vehicle. Use a walking line and have buddies check on each other. Special care must be taken in public parking lots.

6. The teacher may ask you to oversee the group during the activity. Be aware of safety hazards and supervise the students accordingly.

7. Follow the supplied driving directions to the destination. It is important that all attendees follow the same route. DO NOT: detour from this route, take students to any other destination, or leave students unattended in a vehicle or venue.

8. Do not smoke or drink alcoholic beverages while during the field study.

9. Remember to have fun and share the joy and enrichment that field trips provide.

Note: Please be sure to notify the teachers for any inappropriate behavior.

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WMPCS Field Study Permission Slip

Destination: Date: Departure Time/Location: WMPCS Estimated Return Time: Cost for Student (Includes): Details:

Please return bottom portion with payment by: _______________________

My child: ________________________________________________________ has permission to attend the ___________________________________________________________________

The following information is required for your child to attend this field trip:

______________________________________________________________________________Work Number Cell Number Home Number

Other Contact Information: ________________________________________________________________

Medical accommodations (i.e. Dramamine, Inhaler, Epi-Pen) ______________________________________________________________________________

Washington Montessori, Inc. has my permission to request medical care if needed.

____________________________ _____________________________Parent Signature Date

TEACHER SUBMIT THIS PORTION TO SCHOOL OFFICE BEFORE LEAVING FOR TRIPMUST BE SIGNED BY PARENTS OF ALL CHILDREN BEING TRANSPORTED

I, ________________________________, parent of _______________________________am acknowledging the following disclosure by signing below:

1. Driver’s insurance policy is primary for all insurance claims.2. School liability insurance is secondary.

In addition, if I am volunteering to drive, I acknowledge that the insurance information I have listed is accurate to the best of my knowledge.

____________________________________________ ___________________________Parent Signature Date

My insurance provider is: _________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________Name of Agent/Representative Contact Phone Number for Insurance

I can safely accommodate ________ children, including my own. Note: safely = lap/shoulder belt

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November 3, 2014

Dear High School Families,

We are beginning to plan the first part of our Spring Intersession Field Study trip to the Crystal River and Homosassa, Florida. The dates for the trip are Monday March 2, 2015 - March 7, 2015. We have scheduled a parent meeting for next Tuesday November 11th, and would like for you all to attend.

Every effort is being made to secure an adventure that is educational, exciting, challenging, and fun. With that in mind, this includes keeping the cost of the trip at a reasonable price. This trip is an important component of the High School curriculum, and our expectation is to have all students participate in this wonderful journey.

It is imperative we know as soon as possible who will be attending the trip. A rough estimate for the trip cost is $500 per student. This number is dependent on the number of students that sign up for the trip. Your child has raised ______________ through fundraising events. This will be deducted from the trip cost.

We do not want cost to be the reason to not attend the trip. If you have concerns or needs please talk to one of the High School Team so that we can work out a solution.

We are also looking for chaperones to attend the trip. Please be aware that chaperones are required to pay the full price for the trip.

Important Dates:

▪ Tuesday November 11th: Parent Meeting at 6:00 PM in the High School Room.▪ Wednesday November 19th: Signed Intent to Attend form (below) with $100 deposit▪ Wednesday December 3rd: $100 Payment Installment▪ Wednesday January 21st: Final Payment

Sincerely, High School Team

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please complete, sign, date, and return this bottom portion

to the High School by Wednesday, November 19th.

_____I expect my child, _______________________________, to attend the end-of-year trip

_____I do not expect my child, __________________________, to attend the end-of-year trip

_____ I am interested in being a chaperone on the end-of-year trip

Please print your name(s)________________________________________________

Parent Signature ________________________________________ Date_____________

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To Do List

❏ Check with Administration about legalities associated with teachers driving the van❏ Talk with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission to find out what additional service

opportunities we can participate in.❏ Check into small charter buses

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