Curriculum (general objectives and topics, types of instructors, and planned time frame)
3 independent ecosystem modules: Florida’s Coastal Systems, Freshwater Wetlands, and Upland Habitats. Each 40-hr. module includes a complete curriculum with 4 videos, 12 presentations, and student and instructor workbooks. In addition to classroom education each module includes 3 field trips and has speaking and final project requirements. Each module provides information on ecological processes, habitats, flora and fauna, conservation issues, environmental ethics, and interpretive education techniques. A complete curriculum is being developed for advanced training modules that will address a range of topics. Coastal Systems Module Overview: general ecology, habitats, vegetation types, wildlife, and conservation issues of Coastal Systemsin Florida - Coastal Uplands, Estuarine, and Nearshore Marine Environments. The program also addresses societies role in coastal areas, develops naturalist interpretation skills, and discusses environmental ethics. Video series = Coastal Uplands, Coastal Estuaries, Coastal Nearshore Marine Environment, Society and the Coast; Presentation Series = • General Ecology of Coastal Systems • Coastal Amphibians/Reptiles• Marine & Estuarine Habitats • Saltwater Fish• Coastal Waterbirds • Invertebrates I (Corals, Jellyfish, Mollusks, Worms, Tunicates)• Coastal General birds • Invertebrates II ( Echinoderms, Crustaceans, Insects)• Coastal Upland Habitats • Environmental Ethics• Coastal Mammals • Naturalist Interpretation Upland Habitats Module: general ecology, habitats, vegetation types, wildlife, and conservation issues of Upland Habitats in Florida - Hardwood Forests, Pinelands, Scrub, Dry Prairie, Rangelands and Urban green spaces. The program also addresses societies role in uplands, develops naturalist interpretation skills, and discusses environmental ethics. Video series = • Florida’s Pine Habitats • Scrub, Dry Prairie, Rangelands • Hardwood Forests • Upland Habitats in the Modern Human Society; Presentation Series = • General Ecology of Upland Habitats • Pineland Communities • Hardwood Forests and Urban Green Spaces• Scrub, Dry Prairie and Rangelands • Birds I • Birds II • Mammals • Herptofauna (Amphibians and Reptiles) • Naturalist Interpretation• Invertebrates I • Invertebrates II • Environmental Ethics