Middle School

Middle school programs are offered for students in 6th-8th grade. These programs 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 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

GPS @ CSP

Grades: 6-8
Capacity: 1 class
Length: 1.5 hrs
Description: Discover Crystal Springs Foundation as you hunt for hidden treasure! With the help of our educators, students will learn to use GPS and will set out to find the answers to questions about Florida's habitats.
Next Generation Sunshine State Standards
SC.D.1.3.3, SC.D.1.3.4,SC.G.1.3.3, SC.G.2.3.4
National Science Standards
NS.5-8.1, NS.5-8.4

Freshwater Chemistry

Grades: 6-8
Capacity: 1 class
Length: 1.5 hrs
Description: What's In Your Water? This program is an in-depth hands-on experience. The students will collect and analyze water samples from around the preserve. Using chemical water testing kits, students will determine dissolved oxygen, pH, and other basic chemical levels. Students will be guided through a discussion of their results and explore how these levels affect the overall health of the waters on the preserve. Be amazed to discover how Florida's wetlands clean our water. Brainstorm what role the aquifer plays in our everyday life.
Next Generation Sunshine State Standards
SC.6.E.6.1, SC.6.E.6.2, SC.6.E.7.2, SC.7.E.6.1, SC.7.E.6.2, SC.7.E.6.7, SC.8.N.1.1, SC.8.N.1.4, SC.8.N.1.6, SC.8.L.18.4
National Science Standards
NS.5-8.1, NS.5-8.2, NS.5-8.3, NS.5-8.4

River Biodiversity

Grades: 6-8
Capacity: 1 class
Length: 1.5 hrs
Description: One of our most popular programs! Take a tour of Crystal Springs Foundation and learn how the water in the spring gets to and from the aquifer. Students will do a biodiversity survey of the invertebrates and vertebrates that live in the river. Observe them under magnification. Use your critical thinking skills to explore diversity and ecosystem health. **Student must wear closed toed shoes that can get muddy and wet**.
Next Generation Sunshine State Standards
SC.6.N.1.2, SC.6.N.1.4, SC.6.E.6.1, SC.6.E.6.2, SC.7.E.6.6, SC.7.L.17.1, SC.7.L.17.3, SC.8.N.1.2, SC.8.N.1.6, LA.6-8.1.6.1
National Science Standards
NS.5-8.1, NS.5-8.3, NS.5-8.4

Survival

Grades: 6-8
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 the things that nature has to provide.
Next Generation Sunshine State Standards
SC.6.E.7.7, SC.7.L.17.3, SC.8.L.18.1, LA.6-8.1.6.1
National Science Standards
NS.5-8.1, NS.5-8.2, NS.5-8.4

Microscope Mysteries

Grades: 6-8
Capacity: 1 class
Length: 1.5 hr
Description: Nematodes, amoebas, and diatoms, oh my! Join your students on a journey into the unseen world of microorganisms. Begin by investigating the parts of the microscope and understand the science of how it works.  Then collect water samples, prepare a microscope slide, and see what tiny creatures exist in a drop of water.  Book this class with River Critter Round Up and your students will compare the macro-organisms to the micro-organism.
National Science Standards
MS-LS1-1, MS-LS2-2