Elementary School

K-12 Group Programs are designed to immerse students in Crystal Springs Preserve's 525 acre Living Laboratory.  There is a variety of amazing wilderness experiences available for your group.  Our educators are flexible and want to give your students the best experience possible.  If there is a program or experiment that you would like to do, please let us know and we will work with you to execute the program that you want.

Most programs will include a hike through our amazing habitats and a trip across our boardwalks.  

All programs are aligned to the National Science Standards, Sunshine State Standards and Next Generation Sunshine State Standards.  Programs include hands on activities and outdoor experiences.

Programs may be combined and often customized to meet the needs of your students.
Modern restrooms and water fountains are available. A minimum of 15 students is required to reserve your program.

Ask us about our internship opportunities.

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Programs

Survival
Grades: 3-5
Capacity: 100 people
Length: 3 hrs
Description: Get lost!! Learn what it takes to survive if you ever get lost in the wilderness. Identify poisonous plants and animals you may encounter in Florida. Collect drinking water using only what you brought in your lunch box. Build a shelter using only what you brought with you and what nature has to provide.
SSS 3-5
SC.B.2.2, SC.D.2.2, SC.G.1.2, SC.G.2.2, SC.H.2.2, SS.A.1.2.1
NGSSS
SC.3.N.1.1, SC.3.L.17.2, SC.4.E.6.3, SC.4.E.6.6, SC.5.L.15.1, SC.5.E.7.2, LA.3-5.1.6.1

Awesome Aquifers
Grades: 3-5
Capacity: 100 people
Length: 1 hr
Description: Where does all your water go? In this simulation program, students will create a watershed that represents their community. Once constructed, students will determine what happens to all the run-off and watch as pollution from one part of the watershed effects the entire watershed. This is a great lesson in water conservation and pollution. Learn the history of the springs, from the time of the prehistoric animals to the present. Gaze into our window on the aquifer.
SSS 3-5
MA.A.4.2, MA.E.2.2, SC.B.2.2, SC.D.2.2, SC.G.1.2, SC.G.2.2, SC.H.2.2, SS.A.1.2.1
NGSSS
SC.3.N.1.1, SC.4.E.6.3, SC.4.E.6.6, SC.5.L.15.1, SC.5.E.7.2, LA.3-5.1.6.1

Hanging out in the Habitat
Grades: K-5
Capacity: 100 people
Length: 2 hrs
Description: Learn about habitats, niches, ecosystems and food webs. Explore the Preserve's wilderness areas and check out the native and non native species of plants and animals. Hunt for the clues that animals have left behind. Trek back into the woods with one of CSP's educators. Identify plants along the river. Look at the karst rock topography of the woods and river. Spot wildlife of all sizes. Also, join us in our learning lab to visit with our animal ambassadors. Get an up close look at some of Florida's native reptiles and amphibians. Learn how these often misunderstood animals help our habitats everyday!
SSS K-2
MA.A.4.1, SC.D.1.1.2, SC.D.2.1, SC.G.1.1, SC.G.2.1, SC.H.2.1, SS.A.1.
SSS 3-5
MA.A.4.2, SC.B.2.2, SC.D.2.2, SC.G.1.2, SC.G.2.2, SC.H.2.2, SS.A.1.2.1
NGSSS
SC.K.N.1.1, SC.K.N.1.5, SC.K.L.14.3, SC.1.N.1.1, SC.1.N.1.4, SC.1.E.6.1, SC.1.E.6.2, SC.1.E.6.3, SC.1.L.14.1, SC.1.L.16.1, SC.1.L.17.1, SC.2.N.1.1, SC.2.N.1.3, SC.2.N.1.5, SC.2.E.6.1, SC.2.E.6.2, SC.2.E.6.3, SC.2.L.17.1, SC.2.L.17.2, SC.3.N.1.1, SC.3.L.15.1, SC.3.L.17.1, SC.4.E.6.3, SC.4.E.6.6, SC.4.L.16.2, SC.4.L.16.3, SC.4.L.17.4, SC.5.L.15.1, SC.5.L.17.1, SC.5.L.14.2, SC.5.E.7.2, LA.K-5.1.6.1, SS.K.G.3.1, SS.K.G.3.2

River Rats Water Adventure
Grades: 3-5
Capacity: 100 people
Length: 2 hrs
Description: Take a tour of Crystal Springs Preserve's habitats and explore Florida's magnificent aquifer system. Explore the Hillsborough River and its spring runs. Grab a dip net and perform a biodiversity survey. Catch and identify the invertebrates and vertebrates that live in the waters of the Preserve.
SSS 3-5
MA.A.4.2, SC.B.1.2.1, SC.B.2.2, SC.D.2.2, SC.G.1.2, SC.G.2.2, SC.H.2.2, SS.A.1.2.1
NGSSS
SC.3.N.1.1, SC.3.N.1.2, SC.3.N.1.7, SC.3.L.15.1, SC.3.L.17.1, SC.4.E.6.3, SC.4.E.6.5, SC.4.E.6.6, SC.4.L.16.2, SC.4.L.16.3, SC.4.L.17.2, SC.4.L.17.3, SC.4.L.17.4, SC.5.L.15.1, SC.5.L.17.1, SC.5.L.14.2, SC.5.E.7.2, LA.3-5.1.6.1
Note: **Students should wear closed toed shoes that can get muddy and dirty**