Sanibel Sea School has been awarded a grant by the Lee County Electric Cooperative (LCEC) to purchase a new stereomicroscope, which will allow students to magnify and better observe specimens found in the field during the organization’s educational marine science programs.

“Having this type of microscope available makes it possible for us to apply scientific tools to our ocean discovery,” said educator Nicole Finnicum. “Kids are amazed when they see the contents of sand up close, or when we use the scope to display a sea cucumber dissection on our large TV screen,” she added.

The microscope will be used primarily for Sanibel Sea School’s outreach programs, which bring landlocked children from throughout Lee County and the SW Florida region to participate in meaningful ocean education. “It is so important to engage these students in science education to help prepare them for future careers and success in our technology-driven world,” said Finnicum. “We are so grateful to LCEC for making this addition to our lab possible.”

Sanibel Sea School is a 501c3 nonprofit whose mission is to improve the ocean’s future, one person at a time. To learn more, visit sanibelseaschool.org.