Elementary School

Elementary programs are offered for students in 3rd-5th grade. These programs are designed to immerse students in Crystal Springs Foundation's 530 acre Living Laboratory.  There is a variety of amazing wilderness experiences available for your group.  Our educators are flexible and want to give your students the best experience possible.  If there is a program or experiment that you would like to do, please let us know and we will work with you to execute the program that you want.

Most programs will include a hike through our amazing habitats and a trip across our boardwalks.  

All programs are aligned to the National Science Standards and Next Generation Sunshine State Standards.  Programs include hands on activities and outdoor experiences.

Programs may be combined and often customized to meet the needs of your students.
Modern restrooms and water fountains are available. A minimum of 15 students is required to reserve your program.

 

Programs

Come Meet a Tree With Me!

Grades: 3rd grade only
Capacity: 1 class
Length: 3 hrs
Description: Has your class read "The Lorax" by Dr. Seuss? Hike the Preserve and meet our trees. You will discover something new to see. Find out the things that make them grow. Discover everything you need to know!
Next Generation Sunshine State Standards
K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, K-ESS3-3, 3-LS4-3, 3-LS4-4
National Science Standards
NS.K-4.1, NS.K-4.3

What's in your Watershed?

Grades: 3-5
Capacity: 1 class
Length: 1.5 hrs
Description: Where does all your water go? In this simulation program, students will create a watershed model that represents their community. Once constructed, students will determine what happens to all the run-off and watch as pollution from one part of the watershed affects the entire watershed. This is a great lesson in water conservation and pollution. Learn the history of the springs, from the time of the prehistoric animals to the present. 
Next Generation Sunshine State Standards
SC.3.N.1.1, SC.4.E.6.3, SC.4.E.6.6, SC.5.L.15.1, SC.5.E.7.2, LA.3-5.1.6.1
National Science Standards
NS.K-4.1, NS.K-4.4, NS.K-4.7, NS.5-8.1, NS.5-8.4

Survival

Grades: 3-5
Capacity: 1 class
Length: 3 hrs
Description: Get lost!! Learn what it takes to survive if you ever get lost in the wilderness. Identify poisonous plants and animals you may encounter in Florida. Collect drinking water from plants! Build a shelter using only what you brought with you and what nature has to provide.
Next Generation Sunshine State Standards
SC.3.N.1.1, SC.3.L.17.2, SC.4.E.6.3, SC.4.E.6.6, SC.5.L.15.1, SC.5.E.7.2, LA.3-5.1.6.1
National Science Standards
NS.K-4.1, NS.K-4.7, NS.5-8.1, NS.5-8.2, NS.5-8.4

River Adventure

Grades: 3-5
Capacity: 1 class
Length: 1.5 hrs
Description: Take a tour of Crystal Springs Foundation's habitats and learn about Florida's magnificent aquifer system. Explore the Hillsborough River and its spring runs. Grab a dip net and perform a biodiversity survey. Catch and identify the invertebrates and vertebrates that live in the waters of the Preserve. **Students must wear closed toed shoes that can get muddy and wet**
Next Generation Sunshine State Standards
SC.3.N.1.1, SC.3.N.1.2, SC.3.N.1.7, SC.3.L.15.1, SC.3.L.17.1, SC.4.E.6.3, SC.4.E.6.5, SC.4.E.6.6, SC.4.L.16.2, SC.4.L.16.3, SC.4.L.17.2, SC.4.L.17.3, SC.4.L.17.4, SC.5.L.15.1, SC.5.L.17.1, SC.5.L.14.2, SC.5.E.7.2, LA.3-5.1.6.1
National Science Standards
NS.K-4.1, NS.K-4.4, NS.K-4.7, NS.5-8.1, NS.5-8.3, NS.5-8.4

Roaming and Reptiles

Grades: 3-5
Capacity: 1 class
Length: 1.5 hrs
Description: Learn about habitats, niches, ecosystems and food webs. Explore the Preserve's wilderness areas and check out the native and non-native species of plants and animals. Hunt for the clues that animals have left behind. Identify plants along the river. Look at the karst rock topography of the woods and river. Spot wildlife of all sizes. Also, join us in our learning lab to visit with our animal ambassadors. Learn how these often misunderstood animals help our habitats everyday!
Next Generation Sunshine State Standards
SC.K.N.1.1, SC.K.N.1.5, SC.K.L.14.3, SC.1.N.1.1, SC.1.N.1.4, SC.1.E.6.1, SC.1.E.6.2, SC.1.E.6.3, SC.1.L.14.1, SC.1.L.16.1, SC.1.L.17.1, SC.2.N.1.1, SC.2.N.1.3, SC.2.N.1.5, SC.2.E.6.1, SC.2.E.6.2, SC.2.E.6.3, SC.2.L.17.1, SC.2.L.17.2, SC.3.N.1.1, SC.3.L.15.1, SC.3.L.17.1, SC.4.E.6.3, SC.4.E.6.6, SC.4.L.16.2, SC.4.L.16.3, SC.4.L.17.4, SC.5.L.15.1, SC.5.L.17.1, SC.5.L.14.2, SC.5.E.7.2, LA.K-5.1.6.1, SS.K.G.3.1, SS.K.G.3.2
National Science Standards
NS.K-4.1, NS.K-4.4, NS.K-4.7, NS.5-8.1, NS.5-8.2, NS.5-8.3, NS.5-8.4

Getting Buggy

Grades: 3rd grade only
Capacity: 1 class
Length: 1.5 hrs
Description: Explore the fascinating world of insects! Students will investigate the characteristics of insects and collect living specimens to observe using bug viewers. Take a nature hike to explore the amazing diversity of life at the preserve. 
Next Generation Sunshine State Standards
SC.K.L.14.1, SC.K.L.14.2, SC.K.L.14.3, SC.1.L.14.1, SC.1.L.14.3, SC.1.L.17.1, SC.2.L.16.1, SC.2.L.17.1, SC.2.L.17.1
National Science Standards
NS.K-4.1, NS.K-4.4, NS.K-4.7