High 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

Florida Chemistry
Grades: 9-12
Capacity: 100 people
Length: 2 hrs
Description: This program is an in-depth hands on class. While exploring the various habitats at Crystal Springs Preserve, students will collect water samples from each. They will bring the samples back to the lab and using both chemical and electronic tests, students will compare dissolved oxygen, nitrate, and pH levels of their samples. Our educators will lead the students in a brainstorm session using their results to determine the health of our habitats.
SSS 9-12
MA.A.4.4, MA.B.2.4.1, MA.E.1.4, MA.E.2.4, SC.D.1.4, SC.D.2.4, SC.G.1.4, SC.G.2.4, SS.B.2.4.4, SS.B.2.7
NGSSS
SC.912.N.1.6, SC.912.L.17.2, SC.912.L.17.4, SC.912.L.17.7, SC.912.L.17.10, SC.912.L.17.14, SC.912.L.17.16, SC.912.E.6.2, SC.912.E.6.4, MA.912.S.2.3, MA.912.S.1.1, MA.912.S.5.2, LA.910.1.6.1, LA.1112.1.6.1, SS.912.G.3.1, SS.912.G.3.5

Rolling IN the River
Grades: 9-12
Capacity: 100 people
Length: 2-3 hrs
Description: Prepare to get wet!! Your students will perform an indepth Benthic Investigation of the Hillsborough River. Groups of students will be given a 10ft transect of the river where they will be responsible for completing several tests and experiments. These tests include turbidity, dissolved oxygen, a biodiversity survey, and stream flow. Our Benthic logs are molded after those used by the USGS. Students and chaperones should come in clothing and closed toed shoes that can get wet. NO FLIP FLOPS!!!!!!
SSS 9-12
MA.A.4.4, MA.B.2.4.1, MA.E.1.4, MA.E.2.4, SC.D.1.4, SC.D.2.4, SC.G.1.4, SC.G.2.4, SS.B.2.4.4, SS.B.2.7
NGSSS
SC.912.L.17.1, SC.912.L.17.2, SC.912.L.17.3, SC.912.L.17.4, SC.912.L.17.7, SC.912.L.17.8, SC.912.L.17.16, SC.912.N.1.6, LA.910.1.6.1, LA.1112.1.6.1, SS.912.G.3.1

Advanced Biology and AP Biology
Grades: 9-12
Capacity: 100 people
Length: TBD
Description: Use our Learning Lab as well as our out door living laboratory to enhance your biology lessons. We can help you cover a wide range of topics from plant and animal diversity to ecology and environmental impact. Let us know what text you are using and we can help develop a lab that will most benefit your students.

Advanced Environmental Science and AP Environmental Science
Grades: 9-12
Capacity: 100 people
Length: TBD
Description: Let Crystal Springs Preserve be a resource for your classroom. Use our resources, both indoor and outdoor, to enhance your environmental science lessons. We can help you customize a program that will cover a wide range of topics from ecosystems and nutrient cycles to human impact on an environment. Contact us with your text book information so we can help you design a great experience for your students.

Florida's Wetlands
Grades: 9-12
Capacity: 100 people
Length: 2 hrs
Description: Trek back into the woods with one of CSP's educators. Identify native and exotic plants along the river. Walk on the karst rock topography of the woods and river. Use your observation skills to spot wildlife of all sizes. Watch as tannic acid levels change as we venture down river. Hear the story of the history of the springs, from the time of the prehistoric animals to the present. Find out how Florida's wetlands act as an incredible filtration system. Brainstorm about the role that the aquifer plays in our everyday life. Analyze the differences between life in the river and the life in the pond. Join our naturalists in our learning lab as they share some of the wonders of Florida's native reptiles. From the small lizards to the largest alligator, get an up close encounter with these cold blooded creatures. Meet some of the animals that your are sure to encounter in Florida's wild places.
SSS 9-12
SC.D.1.4, SC.D.2.4, SC.G.1.4, SC.G.2.4, SS.B.2.4.4, SS.B.2.7, SC.F.1.4
NGSSS
SC.912.L.17.4, SC.912.E.6.2, SC.912.E.6.4, SC.912.N.1.6, SC.912.L.17.7, LA.910.1.6.1, LA.1112.1.6.1, SS.912.G.3.1, SS.912.G.3.5

Rockin' Out with CSP
Grades: 9-12
Capacity: 60 people
Length: 2-3 hrs
Description: Come and rock out at Crystal Springs Preserve! Students will understand that hydrology, topography and soil type are key factors in determining Florida's habitats.
Students will investigate the geology of Florida by performing geological experiments on different rocks and minerals. Using water chemistry kits, students will test water samples for dissolved oxygen, nitrates, and pH. Students will perform soil tests to check soil type and pH.
SSS
SC.D.1.4.2, SC.D.1.4.4, SC.D.2.4.1, MA.E.1.4.1, SS.B.2.4.4
NGSSS
SC.912.E.6.4, MA.912.S.1.1

Tech Trek
Grades: 9-12
Capacity: 60 people
Length: 2-3 hrs
Description: Challenge your students with our high adventure wilderness course! Explore Florida's rivers and streams using both orienteering compasses and hand held GPS units. Walk over the karst rock topography of the woods and river. Students will work together in teams to map their course and learn about native plants and animals along the way.
SSS
SC.B.1.4.1, SC.D.1.4.4, SC.G.2.4.6
NGSSS
SC.912.E.6.1, SC.912.E.6.4

Survival
Grades: 9-12
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 have in your lunch box. Build a shelter using only what you brought with you and the things that nature has to provide.