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What is the REEF Citizen Science Workshop for Educators? 

Led by marine life and citizen science experts at REEF, educators will have the opportunity to participate in hands-on citizen science programs through this 3-day field-based professional development workshop in the Florida Keys. The program will include snorkeling while completing fish identification and abundance surveys on the coral reef, kayaking through mangrove forests, and learning how to implement engaging and interactive marine science and conservation lessons with students both in and out of the classroom. 

Workshop lessons and activities are designed for formal and informal educators of all backgrounds. The program utilizes topics and service-learning components from REEF’s main programs: the Volunteer Fish Survey Project, the Invasive Species Program, and the Grouper Moon Project. Each program's content will focus on marine biodiversity, citizen science, endangered and invasive species, sustainability and conservation, and marine science technology. Each lesson and activity can be adapted to be used in the field or in the classroom.  

Who can sign up for the educator workshop?

REEF invites educators of any kind to register for the workshop. The workshop is well suited for grades 3-12 formal and informal educators, but the lessons and activities can be adapted to fit a variety of learning and teaching environments.

Do participants need to have any experience doing REEF surveys, identifying fish, or participating in citizen science to join the workshop?

We welcome participants of all levels to join the workshop. No previous experience or knowledge on program topics is necessary. If you’re a beginner, we will teach you everything you need to know to get started with REEF’s Citizen Science Programs. 

What is included in the cost of the educator workshop?

Your program fee will include snorkeling and kayaking excursions, lunch and dinner for two days, one breakfast, REEF surveying supplies, REEF lesson and curriculum materials, and a REEF education staff to guide you through the field excursions, citizen science activities, and lessons. 

Where do the activities take place?

Workshops will be held in the Interpretive Center on the REEF campus, located at 98300 Overseas Hwy, Key Largo (Mile Marker-MM 98.3 in the median).  Mile Markers (MM) in the Florida Keys are a relative location of a site in reference to the number of miles north of Key West. The main bridge used to enter Key Largo is at about MM 106; therefore, about 106 miles northeast of Key West.
Kayaking in the mangroves will be at John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, located at MM 102.5. 
We will meet at Pirates Cove Watersports (MM 103.8) for our snorkeling and fish survey.


When do the activities start and end?

Activities start on June 23 at 4:00 pm at the Interpretive Center on the REEF campus. On Sunday, June 26, activities will conclude at 10:30 am.

Are there any hotel recommendations?

There are many hotels and Airbnb’s in the area. We suggest attendees stay somewhere between MM 106 to MM 85. 
Amoray Resort in Key Largo (MM 104) has updated rooms and a great bayside location.
Holiday Inn Key Largo (MM 100) and Bay Harbor Lodge (MM 97.7) are mid- range hotels central to many restaurants and shops.
Drift Hotel (MM 94.5) and Pelican Key Largo Cottages (MM 99.3) are “budget” for the Florida Keys.
 

Are there any hotels within walking distance?

Rock Reef Resort, (MM 97.8) located on the bayside has a Florida Resident Rate. It is an 11-minute walk (.6 miles) to the REEF Campus.

 

What is the cancellation policy?

You will be asked to pay the full program fee of $225 at the time of registration. The program fee is nonrefundable unless the workshop does not take place due to circumstances beyond REEF's control. 

Can participants get continuing education credits for joining the workshop?

REEF is partnering with the University of California San Diego for 1.5 graduate level credits. For more information please see: https://extension.ucsd.edu/courses-and-programs/professional-development

Still have questions?

If we haven't answered your questions here, please feel free to contact us by phone at 305-852-0030 or email us at explorers@REEF.org.