The ECO-ACADEMY provides a hands-on curriculum to community youth and the general public in the fields of marine biology, zoology, comparative anatomy, biomes, anthropology and principles of conservation. Our team is a highly trained group of individuals that is dedicated to preserve and interpret the invaluable resources found at Deering Estate at Cutler.  Our Eco-brigade is prepared to interact in a fun and educational way with every group regardless of age, special interests or grade level. They will encourage student and parent educator participation during educational programs. They are trained in South Florida and the world’s ecosystems. With some of the highest quality and most diverse natural resources remaining in Miami-Dade County, our ECO-ACADEMY also educates our community about preserving our biodiversity through environmental stewardship, environmental sustainability, and overall resource management.  The program will accommodate up to 30 people and will be offered once a week for 30 week during the academic year for 2 hours each session.  The fee is $35 per module (5 weeks) plus $12 annual registration fee. The cost of material is included in the fee.  (Field Trip fees are not included). Parents are required to participate and register. (Siblings 5yrs old and under are welcome)

Ages: 5yrs old & up (Parents are required to participate in the program) 

Days:

Tuesdays AM 10:30-12:30

Tuesdays PM 2:30-4:30

Saturdays PM 1:00-3:00

MARINE CONSERVATION SCIENCE AND POLICY SERVICE LEARNING PROGRAM

Early in 2010, the Deering Estate at Cutler received a grant from the R. J. Dunlap Marine Conservation Program to design a curriculum and lesson plans for the Marine Conservation Science & Policy Service Learning Program so that teachers, students, and staff learn collaboratively in a hands-on environment that is convenient for all.  Each of five, five week lesson plans, includes in depth study in Coastal and Ocean Habitats; Ichthyology; Ocean Connections; Marine Issues; and Management, Conservation, Research, and Action. In partnership with the Deering Estate at Cutler (an historic flanking protected resources of the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve and listed on the National Register of Historic Places), the MCS&P Service Learning Program partnership provides a practical, hands-on marine science education and self-initiated research project opportunities for high school, undergraduate and graduate students in the marine science field. Fostering excitement, scientific understanding and stewardship of our native habitats, coastlines and bay resources, the proposed MCS&P Service Learning Program educates our community (particularly youth) about preserving our biodiversity through environmental stewardship, environmental sustainability, and overall resource management. This program will be taught at Deering Estate at Cutler for 30 weeks during 2 hours sessions once a week.  This program is designed for youth 9 yrs old and older.  Parents are required to participate for students 9yrs -11 yrs old. The cost of the program is $35 per module plus $12 annual registration fee.  A minimum of 25 participants is required. 

Ages: 9 yrs old – up (Parents are required to participate with children between 9-11 yrs)

Day:

Monday AM 10:30-12:30

WILDLIFE CONSERVATION STUDIES PROGRAM

The Wildlife Conservation Studies program is our NEW 12yrs and up program designed to develop our future environmentalists and naturalist in South Florida.  The WILDLIFE CONSERVATION STUDIES curriculum will include student application of the four essential elements of the Environmental literacy: 1) developing inquiry, investigative, and analysis skills; 2) acquiring knowledge of environmental processes and human systems; 3) developing skills for understanding and addressing environmental issues; and 4) practicing personal and civic responsibility for environmental decisions in order to increase environmental stewardship.  Through culminating activities that directly engage students in environmental practices, students will practice informed, responsible citizenship that is the ultimate aim of environmental literacy.  Linking education and the environment can result in dramatic improvements to the quality of education.  A report issued in 2000 by the National Environmental Education and Training found that reading and mathematics scores improved; Students performed better in science and social studies; Students developed the ability to transfer their knowledge from familiar to unfamiliar contexts; Students learned to “do science” rather than just “learn about science;” Classroom discipline problems declined; and All students have the opportunity to learn at a higher level.  The cost of this program is $50 per module (5 weeks) plus $12 annual registration fee (Cost of field trips is not included).   This program will be taught at Deering Estate at Cutler for 30 weeks during 2 hours sessions once a week.  This program is designed for youth 12yrs old and older.  A minimum of 25 participants is required.  Parents are not required to participate but are more than welcome to register as participants.  Maximum 30 participants.  

Ages: 12 yrs and older

Day:

Wednesday AM 10:30-12:30