UWF Explore Trips immerses local elementary school students in hands-on science exploration

A new program at the University of West Florida is giving local fifth grade students the opportunity to come onto UWF’s campus for immersive, hands-on science exploration. UWF Explore Trips is part of the UWF Living Lab Initiative, which encourages greater academic and research engagement with UWF campus natural areas, facilitating outdoor class sessions and using conservation areas for research opportunities. Samantha Zook-Johnson, camps and community program coordinator, came up with the idea to fill what she felt was a local need.

“As a teacher for nine years in Northwest Florida, I saw we lacked field trip opportunities, and I thought we could do more,” Zook-Johnson said. “When I came to UWF last year, I saw that we had resources and neat things that teachers and students could experience as well as staff here that could share their knowledge. I got an email about the UWF Living Lab Initiative being collaborative and community-based, and it felt meant to be. I thought it could create an opportunity for teachers to have a great educational experience with their students.”

A couple months ago, the first UWF Explore Trips hosted by UWF staff and students took 180 S.S. Dixon Intermediate School fifth-graders on a guided nature walk on the Edward Ball Nature Trail; introduced them to scientific tools and research practices in a biology lab tour; and provided the opportunity to analyze plant photosynthesis and environmental adaptations in an outdoor lab.

Dr. Sarah Tominack, biology instructor and lab coordinator, worked with UWF students to develop the necessary background knowledge needed for the program and led the experiment part of each field trip.

“It has been a long time since I have engaged with students outside of the college lab or lecture hall,” Tominack said. “Working with Samantha, Shawna, Sydney and AnaCatherine to develop and lead students on an Explore Trips experience was hard work, but so much more rewarding. The young scholars that visited UWF during each Explore Trip blew me away with their knowledge, energy and genuine curiosity, ultimately sparking a renewed curiosity and joy in my job as an educator.”

Each trip is two hours and aims to leave students with a better understanding of nature and the adaptations of plants and animals in their environments.

“As an elementary education major, UWF Explore Trips really helped build my confidence in teaching,” said UWF student Shawna Duke. “I learned so much from the experience, especially about how to make field trips truly educational by connecting real-life experiences with the standards students are learning in the classroom. I’m walking away from this experience with a better understanding of how to teach in a way that sticks with students — and with more confidence in my own ability to lead.”

Zook-Johnson said they plan to host more Santa Rosa and Escambia county elementary schoolers in the next academic year. They hope to host ten trips a semester.

For more information, visit uwf.edu/exploretrips.