The Problem
It is not everyday students from an area made infamous in "Waiting for Superman" for its high poverty rate and substandard educational opportunities get to gain exposure to science in a meaningful way. Many of my students have lived in DC their entire lives and have never stepped foot on the National Mall surrounding the Capitol and monument; this trip reveals to students the size and complexity of the world around them while critically thinking as scientist with students across the nation. I want my students to gain the exposure to develop into life long scientist and bring back their new found love for their ecosystem to their communities.
Our Plan
My students will fly to Tampa, Florida for a 5-day aquatic science STEM tour to debunk all odds against them. Sixteen of our middle schools scholars will embark on an once-in-a-lifetime adventure through WorldStrides “Habitat H2O” 5-day Tampa, Florida tour. This trip will achieve the purpose of exposing students to one of the aquatic biomes examined in their STEM coursework. During this 5-day adventure, students will have the opportunity to interact with other US middle school students enrolled with WorldStrides as they fly to Tampa; snorkel with the Manatees in the Crystal River; explore endemic species at Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park; and participate in shark dissections at Fort DeSoto. Selected scholars are well on their way to a path of academic success, making this trip a wonderful opportunity for them to develop their skills to become influential leaders in the community around them. WorldStrides will cover all airfare, lodging, meals, insurance, and excursion costs. This is a remarkable opportunity for my students!
