Where Science Meets the Sunshine State
Florida offers school groups far more to investigate than theme parks and beaches. The state’s unique geography, subtropical ecosystems and longstanding relationship with aerospace and innovation provide incredible opportunities for experiential STEM lessons. Rather than passive observation, the state offers educators valuable experiences that emphasize scientific inquiry and interaction. Students can conduct marine research in educational laboratories, stand beneath a Saturn V rocket, examine shipwreck archaeology, study climate, wetlands and water flow, and more. Field trips to Florida encourage students to design, experiment, collect evidence, and solve problems through a hands-on approach. Whether the curriculum focuses on engineering, astronomy, marine biology, environmental science or coastal history, the Sunshine State has myriad opportunities for engaging learning.
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“Groups can study one of America’s most threatened ecosystems up close while standing inside the incredible landscape itself.”
Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex (Merritt Island)
Immerse students in the full scale of STEM achievement with a field trip to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex on Merritt Island. Witness the massive Space Shuttle Atlantis, examine the Apollo/Saturn V Center, glimpse authentic artifacts from NASA missions, and go behind the scenes of an active spaceflight center. Educators can enhance school visits with an engineering challenge (90 to 120 minutes) for grades 5-12, where students work collaboratively to solve age-appropriate design problems. Other experiences involve simulators, hands-on activities, and STEM concepts supported by NASA. Youth groups of 15 students or more receive discounted admission, and educator-led Overnight Adventures allow students ages 10-14to complete interactive activities and scientific demonstrations after hours.
Free NASA teacher resources help extend aerospace engineering, science, and math lessons back to the classroom.
Mote Science Education Aquarium (Sarasota)
Take a step beyond traditional aquarium visits and into a world of working, state-of-the-art teaching laboratories at Mote Science Education Aquarium in Sarasota. Mote SEA field trips combine Mote scientist- and educator-led lab experiences with aquarium exploration for an immersive learning adventure. Learn through three unique themed teaching labs, offering age-appropriate lessons where students investigate marine science using authentic practices rather than viewing aquatic creatures through glass. This two-hour educational experience is also available in Spanish upon request. The Aquarium also offers virtual learning experiences, additional marine science opportunities, and classroom outreach. Florida public schools currently receive the Teaching Lab portion of the program free of charge.
Orlando Science Center (Orlando)
A visit to the Orlando Science Center lets students explore STEM in ahighly interactive environment through experimentation and discovery. Introduce students to engineering, technology, life science, physical science, and astronomy lessons with fascinating exhibits, educator-led activities, and live demonstrations. Move beyond presenting scientific facts and into testing ideas and manipulating materials to better understand how scientific principles apply to everyday life. Educators can tailor visits to curricular goals and grade level, making the Center ideal for everyone from kindergarten to high school learners. Scientific concepts become visible through live science demos and interactive exhibits, often difficult to replicate in the classroom. The Center emphasizes education through inquiry, experimentation, and problem-solving to help students envision future careers in technology and science.
St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum (St. Augustine)
Students visiting the St. Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum have many more opportunities besides climbing the historic lighthouse. The Museum’s educational program, Nation’s Oldest Port, offers K-12 guided (one hour) and self-guided learning experiences connecting STEAM topics with the region’s rich maritime history. Discover maritime archeology, as the museum operates its own research program, an opportunity that introduces groups to how professional archeologists document, preserve and interpret shipwreck artifacts and evidence. School groups can also learn about the science of flight, navigation, coastal defense, shipwrecks and more than 500 years of Florida’s maritime history.
Everglades National Park (South Florida)
An extraordinary outdoor science lab awaits in one of America’s most incredible natural wetlands. Everglades National Park in southern Florida offers ranger-led field trips through 2027 from mid-October through mid-April. Programs serve students in grades four through 12 and encourage hands-on participation and collaboration during field excursions. A new middle school program investigates the roles of water and fire through interactive scientific study, while other school programs focus on wildlife, habitat exploration, food webs and the Park’s famously complex water system. Groups can study one of America’s most threatened ecosystems up close while standing inside the incredible landscape itself. Educators can also choose self-guided, curriculum-based experiences, virtual live programs or aranger-led three-day/two-night camping experience for grades 5 and 6. Programs are free with an academic waiver. Ask about transportation assistance.
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