From Turtles to Manatees: A Day of Discovery and Conservation

On December 11, the Loggerhead Marinelife Center (LMC) and FPL Manatee Lagoon led an unforgettable learning adventure for nearly 20 educators, “Dive into Ocean Literacy: Empowering Teachers to Deepen Student Understanding of the Marine World.” This immersive experience brought marine science to life, connecting teachers with real-world environmental education and conservation efforts. 

The full-day event began with an in-depth look at sea turtle conservation at Loggerhead, where participants explored the critical role these creatures play in ocean ecosystems. From there, educators boarded LMC buses and headed to FPL Manatee Lagoon for an up-close encounter with Florida’s gentle giants—the manatees. Observing these animals in their natural habitat was a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting marine life and preserving our waterways. 

Throughout the workshop, teachers gained practical strategies to make ocean literacy engaging and meaningful in their classrooms. Key takeaways included: 

• Understanding why the ocean is essential to sustaining life on Earth 

• Integrating art into STEAM lessons to spark creativity and deepen learning 

• Exploring ways to connect students with ocean health and inspire environmental stewardship 

Participants left equipped with ready-to-use lesson plans and resources designed to bring marine science into the classroom in fun, interactive ways. This hands-on experience not only expanded educators’ knowledge but also empowered them to cultivate a generation of environmentally conscious learners.