Welcome to Seagrass Academy!

Marine science discovery that dives deeper.

Seagrass Academy is a hands-on marine science experience for young students hosted by Tampa Bay Watch. 

Over the course of three consecutive sessions, Seagrass Scholars get out of the classroom and into the Tampa Bay estuary through labs, lessons, and a local environmental stewardship project. Topics include basic science principles and practical ways to protect our ecosystem.

Seagrass Academy is tailored for grades 6-8 and builds each year. This long-term relationship deepens learning, builds confidence, and helps scholars explore future careers in STEM.  

What to Expect

The charter class of Seagrass Academy was a local partnership between Tampa Bay Watch and neighboring Academy Prep of St. Petersburg. Connected by mutual partner Honest1 Auto Care in 2024, the two combined their missions to create a unique, hands-on conservation experience for students in the community. Since then, Seagrass Academy has opened its doors to more and more young learners. 

Day One: School Campus Day 

Day one of Seagrass Academy brings Tampa Bay to your school. Tampa Bay Watch educators introduce their organization’s purpose and walk scholars through a grade-appropriate, hands-on marine science lab focused on fundamental principles of science.

Day Two: Pier Party 

On day two, we invite Seagrass Scholars to explore and learn at the Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center. Groups will take turns touring exhibits and participating in a lab of their choice. Then, scholars board our floating classroom for seagrass sampling and marine life observation. 

Day Three: Project Party 

Seagrass Academy ends with a real-life environmental stewardship project. Seagrass Scholars will travel to Tampa Bay Watch’s Auer Marine Science Education Center in Tierra Verde, FL to help out with a research initiative or ecosystem restoration effort. All these experiences give scholars the opportunity to make a real impact in their own backyard. 

Repeat!

Seagrass Academy is designed to grow alongside your students, with the experience evolving each year. Our goal is for students to return in 5th through 8th grade, deepening their knowledge and strengthening their connection to the Bay over time.

Reasons to Get Excited

Academic Growth  

  • Connect scholars to local organizations they may want to volunteer or work with in the future.  

  • Introduce scholars to potential career paths or passions.  

  • The program builds year over year to reinforce concepts, increase confidence, and expand understanding.  

Enrichment 

  • Participate in hands-on restoration programs.  

  • Get scholars out of the classroom and into nature for a Florida-specific learning experience.  

  • Build a better relationship with nature, specifically our local estuaries.  

  • Become a steward of our local waterways.

Expert Partners 

  • Hosted by Tampa Bay Watch, a leading organization in environmental education and stewardship.  

  • Designed with the help of Academy Prep St. Petersburg, a nationally accredited nonprofit middle school.  

  • Highly customizable to support your students and teaching objectives.