Photographer: COURTESY

Mother of Our Redeemer middle school students are ready to check out the seashore for various species of marine life during their field trip to Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center in January.

Photographer: COURTESY

With the help of nature guides, Mother of Our Redeemer middle school students examine marine life through special viewers during their field trip to Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center in January.

Photographer: COURTESY

Mother of Our Redeemer middle school students suit up before heading to the water during their field trip to Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center in January.

MIAMI | Mother of Our Redeemer’s middle school students enjoyed a day of outdoor learning and exploration recently at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center, located in Crandon Park, Key Biscayne.

The students explored the sea grass beds off the coast of Biscayne Bay to discover the multitude of marine life that resides there. Many marine species not only make the bay their habitat but thrive abundantly there.

The students used nets and buckets to temporarily catch and study the marine life. Afterwards, nature guides helped the students analyze each species through collection viewer containers. Mollusks, sea snails, small fish species, crabs, clams, and a multitude of sponges were collected, studied, and then safely released back into the ocean environment. 

Annette Garcia, middle school science teacher, “planned this wonderful day for our students, and it was an amazing learning experience for all,” said middle school English and social studies teacher Tammy Lozano. “We all walked away from our outdoor classroom with a little more knowledge of Florida’s marine life, a greater appreciation for our state’s natural resources, and a deeper love for nature and God’s creations.”