PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Since it's not possible right now for Pinellas County Schools' students to take field trips into nature for their science classes, the science teachers are bringing nature to them.
- District filming episodes of "Life Science at a Social Distance"
- Episodes focus on wildlife at Boyd Hill Nature Preserve
- More Pinellas County stories
It’s day three on set of Pinellas County Schools’ newest television show, “Life Science at a Social Distance” - brought to you by COVID-19.
“The fourth graders come here to Boyd Hill Nature Preserve one time throughout their fourth grade year,” said Martyne LaDuke, science resource teacher for Pinellas County Schools.
“It’s where they live and it’s important to understand where you are and what’s here,” said Ginger Rehm, another district science resource teacher.
The first episode focused on grasshoppers, and the second on antlions.
The episode they were filming during our visit focused on gators.
“I want them to take away that the environment is really important and worth preserving,” said LaDuke.
During our time at the preserve with the teachers we also stopped in the butterfly garden to learn a thing or two about the Zebra Longwing, which will be another episode.
Though the program is geared towards fourth graders, its new widespread availability allows children of any age to get in tune with nature.
“I want them to understand the importance of the wetlands, the importance of our pollinators," LaDuke explained. "All the different aspects of the environment that are so important to preserve so when they’re adults it will be important to them too."
The show can be viewed on YouTube or on WPDS.
The Boyd Hill Nature Preserve remains open to the public. Admission is free.