Grant: 23-041E
Project Title: Miami-Dade County Sea Turtle Conservation Program Mobile Education Unit
Project Manager: Christopher Bumpus
Organization: Miami-Dade County Parks & Rec Dept (Florida Government)
Grant Amount: $17,000.00
Completion Date: 2025-10-31
Summary: This project will expand our education and outreach for Miami-Dade County through funding the development of the Sea Turtle Lesson Plan and acquiring trailers as well as other educational materials for our Mobile Education Unit. We have identified a significant need to provide high quality environmental education experiences to the students of Miami-Dade County Schools. Being the 3rd largest public school district in the nation and there being a wide range of socioeconomic levels we want to bring the work our Sea Turtle Conservation Program does directly to the students. We have already developed and revised the Marine Conservation Science and Policy Curriculum, however we will create a hands-on activity species specific Sea Turtle Lesson plan. Once the new Sea Turtle lesson plan is completed, the goal is to deliver it to over 500 students within 20 different schools via the Mobile Education Unit. This sharing of newly gained knowledge would help spread conservation awareness and improve individual environmental stewardship.
Results: We were able to acquire one of the two trailers due to a price increase in the cost of the trailers. Trailer was wrapped in graphics promoting the project and the Sea Turtle License Plate as the funding source. The curriculum was written in partnership with Miami Dade County's Sea Turtle Team, Florida International Teach, and has been peer reviewed once by Miami Dade County Public schools. This curriculum has reached over 835 students within Miami Dade County, with a strong focus on Title I students. Articles were published regarding the program to increase the number of students utilizing the curriculum. The trailer was used to transport all lesson materials and equipment to schools, nature centers, and community events. Since the price of the trailer increased, not all approved funds were spent, and unspent funds were returned to the grants program. This project has expanded the capacity of our Sea Turtle Conservation Program and strengthened our ability to provide engaging and scientifically grounded conservation education.