Marine Discovery Center | Education
Education is at the heart of the Marine Discovery
Center’s Mission to preserve, protect, and restore Florida’s
coastal ecosystems. The core of our education effort is with school
children, future generations of citizens and leaders that will determine
the fate of our important marine and estuarine ecosystems. We offer
adult educational programs as well, including days trips, and presentations;
and we teach the Coastal Module of the Florida
Master Naturalist program. We currently seek to expand adult educational
programs.
For
children, we offer a variety of programs. The success of our programs
springs from our “in the water and hands-on” learning style
tailored to each age group.
Our
Summer Camp Program is very successful. Lengths of camps and activities
vary. For example, youth can become certified Marine Discovery Center
Junior Naturalists by attending a 2-day camp that incorporates kayaking,
fishing, programs aboard our pontoon boat Discovery, and laboratory
investigations. Other camp programs include SCUBA diving, arts and crafts,
surfing and more.
During
the school year, our educators offer a suite of programs in the classrooms.
MDC educational programs and curricula are approved by the Volusia County
School Board and encompass Sunshine State and FCAT standards.
Our
staff of educators includes Certified Secondary Biology, elementary
school and college teachers, each with more than 7 years of experience.
While
more than 6.000 students have benefited from our programs, the Marine
Discovery Center seeks to have even greater impact. We can do this by
educating additional youth that may go on to understand the importance
of protecting and preserving our coastal environment. Additional resources
and educational volunteers can make that goal possible.
For
more information, contact the Education Office directly at 386.428.3310
or the Marine Discovery Center Gift Shop and Reservations Office at
386.428.4828 or toll free at 866.257.4828
