SUMMER ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM HELPS TO BRIDGE STUDENTS’ LEARNING GAPS

Press Office - Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Aug. 27, 2015

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us

SUMMER ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM HELPS TO BRIDGE STUDENTS’ LEARNING GAPS

~Activities emphasize environmental education ~

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Event at the Jacksonville Police Athletic League’s Northside site location.

 

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Northeast District partnered for a second year with Jacksonville’s Police Athletic League to help ensure area students would be better prepared to start this new school year. As part of the league’s STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) summer camp program, district staff taught hundreds of students ways to protect Florida’s water, land and air.

“It is important for us to show our students and future leaders the value of protecting Florida’s natural resources,” said Northeast District Director Greg Strong. “DEP’s Northeast District is proud to promote conservation and responsible practices by providing environmental education to students in our community throughout the year.”

The Police Athletic League’s STEAM summer camp was started to bridge the gap between school years and help curb student’s learning loss during the summer. STEAM Camp is a fun, six-week, hands-on activity program centered on an innovative curriculum that combines science, technology, engineering, art and math learning. The league’s program can help with student learning and retention. Each week students engage in an array of academic skill-building activities that spark their imagination, such as building robots out of recyclable materials or crafting edible treats. For additional information, click HERE.