Aquaculture in the classroom
For over two decades, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Marine Stock Enhancement Research team has been working with school administrators, teachers and students to bring aquaculture and Stock Enhancement Research into the classroom. The program is designed for students in fifth grade through college, and teaches students the basic principles of aquaculture, marine research and how stock enhancement plays a role in supporting Florida’s marine fisheries.
Since this program began in 2001, more than 30 Florida schools have successfully reared red drum in the classroom. This past year, nine schools participated statewide and 625 red drum fingerlings were distributed.
Through the collaboration, hatchery-reared red drum fingerlings, starter feed and technical advice are provided to participating schools. FWC biologists work with teachers to develop curriculum that meets Florida Sunshine State Standards and provides students the opportunity to design aquaculture (fish-raising) systems, perform daily animal husbandry (care) routines and conduct research projects, such as salinity tolerance tests, feed studies and water quality/chemistry investigations.
To learn more about the program, or to refer a teacher or school, email .
Drive event for students
The Hillsborough County Tax Collector’s Office will host a back-to-school event, “Drive Into the School Year,” on Aug. 3 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at 3030 N. Falkenburg Road in Tampa. The event aims to prepare students and their families for the new school year with essential services, making the transition smoother for families in the community.
Road tests, written tests and the issuance of driver licenses and learner’s permits will be available by appointment only for Hillsborough County students.
Students must meet requirements before taking a written or road skills test. Visit HillsTax.org/student-saturdays/ to determine eligibility and to make an appointment.
There will be limited walk-in services available for Hillsborough residents, including title and registration services, disabled parking permits, and certain driver license services such as renewals and address changes.
Community partners at the event will include free hearing exams, sports physicals, dental services and more.
PHSC president receives high marks
Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) president Jesse Pisors earned excellent scores on his first review by the college’s District Board of Trustees (DBOT), which was adopted at the June DBOT meeting, according to a news release.
Pisors received an average score of 4.79 out of 5, noting his strong communication, engagement, transparency and efforts toward bettering the college in his first four months.
He earned a 4.66 for board relations; 4.92 for community, state and national relations; 4.73 for fiscal accountability; 4.82 for leadership; and a 4.83 for accountability, the release says.
PHSC also is embarking on its next cycle of strategic planning to span 2025 through 2029. A Strategic Planning Steering Committee and five Goal Subcommittees have been established with more than 70 committee members representing all organizational divisions, academic divisions, campuses and locations, as well as staff, faculty, students and community partners.
The first draft of a comprehensive guide is anticipated to be completed this fall with the final draft presented to the DBOT by the end of 2024.
Young Scientist merit winners
Discovery Education has announced the 2024 3M Young Scientist Challenge 26 state merit winners and four honorable mention recipients. The middle school science competition features innovations from youth that demonstrate the power of science to improve the world.
To enter, students in fifth to eighth grade submitted a one- to two-minute video explaining their original idea using science to help solve an everyday problem. This year, the 3M challenge offered innovative ways for students to engage in science through new entry topics, including robotics, home improvement, automotive, safety, AR/VR, and climate technology.
All entries were reviewed by a diverse group of judges and evaluated on their creativity, scientific knowledge and communication skills.
Florida’s state merit winner is Aria Badganov Martinez of Oakstead Elementary, Pasco County.
To learn more about the challenge and meet all the 2024 competitors, visit YoungScientistLab.com.
For more information about Discovery Education’s digital resources and professional learning solutions, visit www.DiscoveryEducation.com.
