Students test water quality and identify aquatic insects during LIFE.
What is LIFE?
The Learning in Florida’s Environment (LIFE) program is a science-based educational experience that engages 4th and 5th grade students in Sarasota County in 1-hour preparatory in-class presentations followed by a 3-hour field trip. Through these LIFE experiences, students get special insight into the nature of science, Florida’s ecosystems, land management challenges, how we can decrease our environmental impact, and career opportunities in science and nature. Students participate in three ecosystem-specific, hands-on labs that are aligned to Florida State Science Standards and support teacher-identified curriculum needs for standardized test success. Historically, the LIFE program began in 2004 as a Department of Environmental Protection outreach program for middle school students. Starting in 2017, UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County developed elementary curriculum and has been coordinating LIFE in our county in partnership with the Florida Park Service; Sarasota County Parks, Recreation, and Natural Resources; and Big Waters Land Trust.
LIFE successes in 2024-25
4th and 5th grade students use binoculars to view bird adaptations, and a few alligators, along the Myakka River.
In Fall 2024, Myakka River State Park (MRSP) hosted 23 LIFE field trips comprised of 841 students from 7 schools. 47% (397) of these students attend Title 1 schools. The Friends of Myakka River funded bus transportation to all participating Title 1 schools, providing support to students who otherwise may not have been able to attend. The Friends of Myakka River also funded a digital projecting microscope that enhanced the ability of students who were challenged to see plankton in their individual microscopes. At MRSP, students engaged in unique field labs, learning about macroinvertebrates and water quality, plankton and energy flow, and bird adaptations in a freshwater ecosystem. Overall, a 45% knowledge gain was demonstrated from students based on pre- and post-assessments. The largest area of growth was knowledge of bird adaptations where students demonstrated a 189% increase from pre- to post-assessment knowledge.
Was this fun? Yeah! -student
Handwritten comment on a student’s post-test.
In Spring 2025, the LIFE program continued at Sarasota County’s Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center where 19 field trips were hosted, with 669 4th and 5th grade students attending from 6 different schools. At this site, students rotate through engaging field lab experiences focused on mangrove forests and estuaries, marine invertebrate taxonomy, and animal adaptations in coastal ecosystems. Based on student pre- and post-assessments, an overall 47% knowledge gain was demonstrated. Topics that saw notable growth in student’s understanding were the number of mangroves native to Florida, invertebrate taxonomy, and the importance of fire and prescribed burns to Florida’s ecosystem.
LIFE enhances knowledge, visitation to conservation areas, and models careers in science and nature
The LIFE trip was so awesome. My daughter has always wanted to be a veterinarian because she loves animals, but this field trip really expands the options for careers that involve animals and wildlife past the traditional careers that kids are exposed to. -parent of student attending LIFE
Armando Ubeda, Florida Sea Grant Agent, shares the importance of our 3 native mangrove species at Lemon Bay.
Beyond the experience and knowledge gained, one of the largest successes of this program is the number of students visiting these parks, without previous knowledge of them. Of the students who participated in the LIFE program, 84% indicated never having visited Lemon Bay Park prior to their LIFE field trip and 65% indicated not having visited Myakka River State Park previously. LIFE not only encourages students to engage in STEM fields, but also creates an interest in visiting these parks and exploring the natural world.
Teachers have repeatedly described the field trip as one of the best and most well-organized field trips they have been on.
Volunteer and retired ecologist, Dr. Mary, assists students to understand the importance of water quality within the Myakka River watershed.
Partners and Volunteers support success
These successes would not be possible without the efforts of our staff and volunteers. In the 2024-25 season, we had 10 volunteers that assisted at each field trip location. Volunteers attend from the Florida Park Service, Sarasota County, UF/IFAS Master Gardener Volunteer program, and the Florida Master Naturalist Program. Out of 13 unique volunteers assisting across both locations, a total of 588 hours of service were provided! Across both locations, a total of 8 UF/IFAS Extension faculty, 4 Florida State Parks Service staff, 3 PRNR-NAT staff, 1 staff from Big Waters Land Trust, and 13 volunteers generously gave their time and expertise to provide these award-winning, successful LIFE experiences for students.
Interested in having your Sarasota County student attend LIFE?
Have their 4th or 5th grade teacher or school administrator contact Dr. Katherine Clements at kclements@scgov.net. A limited number of field trips are available each year and most teachers schedule in August for the school year.
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