On June 26, Sanibel Sea School welcomed 45 local high school students from Florida Gulf Coast University’s Outreach Programs for a day of exploration, beach time, and hands-on marine science.

The visit was part of FGCU’s summer career exploration program, which helps students discover potential career paths while building an understanding of the education, skills, and experiences needed to pursue them.

Working closely with the university, Sanibel Sea School staff designed a customized field trip focused on science careers and environmental stewardship, weaving in research and monitoring conducted by the Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF).

“As part of SCCF — a nonprofit that protects and cares for Southwest Florida’s coastal ecosystems through conservation, research, education, and advocacy — Sanibel Sea School is able to connect students with a variety of possible career paths,” said Shannon Rivard, director of Sanibel Sea School.

The students represented three of FGCU’s grant-funded pre-college outreach programs — TRIO Talent Search, the College Reach-Out Program (CROP), and FGCU Scholars in partnership with United Way.

The day began with educators introducing themselves and sharing their own educational journeys, career paths, and the many opportunities available through Sanibel Sea School and the SCCF.

“Students learned that careers in science can extend far beyond what they often imagine, including education and research, wildlife monitoring, habitat restoration, and conservation,”  added Rivard.

In the field, students rotated through three interactive stations. At the seining and dip netting station, students collected and identified marine organisms while learning how scientists use standardized sampling techniques to monitor changes in coastal ecosystems over time.

During the snorkeling station, students used transects and quadrats to measure seagrass coverage and observe marine habitats firsthand. They learned how these simple scientific tools enable researchers to repeatedly monitor the health of seagrass beds and track year-to-year changes.

“The students were super engaged when it came to the quadrat and measuring the seagrass they found,”shared Jordyn Sateren, marine science educator. “They were all working really well together. It quickly became a favorite activity.”

Along the beach, students learned about the sea turtle nesting process. Educators explained how long-term monitoring helps scientists protect vulnerable species and informs conservation decisions throughout the region.

For many students, the experience included exciting firsts. More than three-quarters of the participants had never snorkeled before. For some, it was their very first visit to the beach. And for a few, it was their first time swimming in saltwater.

Some of the day’s most memorable moments came from comments overheard throughout the field trip. “This is the best beach day ever!” one student exclaimed.

Perhaps most encouraging were the conversations that took place after the activities ended.

 Several students stayed behind to ask educators about internships, volunteer opportunities, and future careers with SCCF and Sanibel Sea School.

“Creating these moments of curiosity and connection is exactly what experiential learning is all about,” said Sateren.

Explore exciting programs for all ages at sanibelseaschool.org/programs.

Learn more about SCCF at sccf.org.