A Manatee and Dolphin Tour Adventure: Eighth Graders Explore Ecosystems

Middle School students in Mrs. Joslyn Roberts-Judy's ecology elective embarked on a manatee and dolphin tour adventure with A Day Away Kayak Tours to learn first-hand about coastal ecology, ecosystems, invertebrates, vertebrates, conservation efforts, and the ecological impacts for endangered species.

"I went kayaking for the first time on our ecology field trip," said eighth grader Anabelle Wang. "Our tour guides were fun and informative, and we saw manatees, flamingos, alligators, etc. We identified plant species like the red mangrove, and it was overall a fun time. I’ll be going back soon for their bioluminescent comb jelly tour while it’s still in season."

"I liked interacting with the manatees and seeing their behaviors," said eighth grader Keira Reed. "The younger manatee would even come up next to our boat. Also, we were able to see flamingos which aren’t normally found in that area."

"The best part was getting to go kayaking while also learning about the environment at the same time," eighth grader Vivaan Trivedi. "It was really fun being out on the water, and one of the best parts was seeing manatees up close as they swam around our kayaks. I also enjoyed learning new facts about the animals and plants in the ecosystem and seeing how everything is connected in real life."

Trips like these are among the many opportunities that Montverde Academy students have to see how their course knowledge and skills translate outside the walls of the classroom.