SUMMER ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS HELP BRIDGE STUDENTS' LEARNING GAPS

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 2, 2014

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

SUMMER ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS HELP BRIDGE STUDENTS' LEARNING GAPS

~DEP summer learning activities focus on the protection and appreciation of natural resources~

PAL

More than 30 students participated in the environmental educational program with the Police Athletic League on June 19.

JACKSONVILLE The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Northeast District has partnered with Jacksonville’s Police Athletic League and local public libraries to provide environmental education to area students this summer.

The district is participating in the Police Athletic League STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) and the Library’s STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) summer camp programs.

The Northeast District’s presentations focus on what students can do to protect Florida’s water, land and air through fun and interactive activities. Staff members will be conducting learning opportunities at five Police Athletic League sites and seven branch library locations.

“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 Camp was started because summertime can result in significant learning loss as students get out of the habit of studying. The Police Athletic League’s academically-enhanced summer camp can make a significant difference in learning and retention. The STEAM Camp is a fun and exciting six weeks of hands-on activities centered on an innovative curriculum that combines science, technology, engineering, art and math learning. Each week participants engage in an array of academic skill-building activities, with emphasis on physical learning that sparks their imagination. Activities range from building robots out of recyclable materials to crafting edible treats. For additional information click HERE

The City of Jacksonville’s Public Library system offers a summer camp program that focuses on topics related to the promotion of STEM education. The various library branch locations offer a variety of subjects that will promote and challenge students to continue learning while enjoying their summer break from school. For additional information click HERE

The Northeast District is committed to assisting DEP’s Office of Environmental Education by implementing and supporting actions that promote environmental literacy in Florida.