I am tentatively planning a 5 day marine ecology field trip to MarineLab in Key Largo, Florida for a small group of my students.  MarineLab, a division of Marine Resources Development Foundation offers a sensational, hands-on program that is tailored to the age/grade level of the students.  Several of the Virginia Science SOL's are covered by the curriculum in a manner far surpassing what can be offered in the classroom.  This is accomplished  through experiential learning.   I have taken this trip 7 times in the past with great success during spring breaks 1991, 92, 93, 94, 2001, 2003 and most recently 2004. I would like to offer this terrific enrichment opportunity again to 12 of my interested SIGNET students. The tentative reservation for this trip had to be made very early (2/1/04).  Therefore, I reserved the minimum number of spots allowed (12) not knowing if there would be sufficient interest to warrant a larger reservation.

This trip is scheduled for March 23 - 27, 2005, departing on a Wednesday morning and returning on the following Sunday evening.  Students would not miss any school days since this is entirely during spring break.  Travel to and from Florida would be via commercial air carrier.  Parents would be responsible for getting their child to/from the airport on time.  MarineLab provides transportation between Miami International Airport and the facility on Key Largo.  The complete cost of the trip would be the responsibility of the students' parents, and is anticipated to be between $900 - $995 all inclusive (hands-on program, room, meals, transfers to/from MIA). The range depends on prevailing airfares and whether or not we decide to do the Dolphin Encounter (structured swim) at the Dolphin Cove.

In addition to myself acting as a chaperone, I would have one female chaperone (a fellow teacher or a parent) mainly to supervise the girls going on the trip.  Students would be selected based on their interest, maturity, ability to cooperate with others, parental support, a written essay explaining what they hope to learn on this trip, and if necessary, a lottery to select from equally qualified participants.  A short waiting list might also be established if interest warrants in case a participant winds up not being able to go at the last minute.

Because I have participated in this wonderful program as a teacher with my students in the past, I feel qualified to praise the program, its staff, classes, and labs. I offer it to my students as a great learning experience, knowing they will gain an extraordinary amount of knowledge from this trip as well as an appreciation of the inter-relatedness of the sciences.

*Important  note:  This program is more of a "course" than a "vacation."  This is not to say it won't be fun, but students need to expect to be spending part of their time in "classroom" and "lab" settings and will be expected to participate (enthusiastically) in such activities with appropriate behavior. Also, please note that this trip is not an official school sponsored activity, nor is it sanctioned by Prince William County Schools.

To learn more details of the trip:  CLICK HERE.
If you would like your child to have a chance to participate in this special trip, please email me as soon as possible (or send in a written note of interest). I will only continue with plans for this trip if there seems to be sufficient parental interest and support.
 

Mr. Dennis Silveri (silverde@pwcs.edu)          Gifted Education Resource Teacher          Lake Ridge Middle School          (703) 494-5154