Enriching the Next Generation of Marine Science Stewards

In the spring 2026 semester, Tampa Bay Watch partnered with Academy Prep Center of Tampa to bring hands-on marine science to their after-school enrichment program. Sixteen students ranging from 5th-8th grade joined us every Monday to explore the Tampa Bay watershed, discover local wildlife, learn about environmental science careers, and collaborate on meaningful group projects. We began with an introduction to the Tampa Bay estuary and its watershed, uncovering how human actions impact local ecosystems. The remainder of the class covered topics from microscopic plankton to apex predators and invasive species, with students connecting each lesson to real-world challenges and subsequent careers that are creating solutions for those challenges. All 16 students reported learning a new potential career path throughout the course, and 67% of students reported being interested in a science or animal-based career. Students highlighted experiences such as lionfish dissections, chemistry experiments, and animal encounters with Tampa Bay Watch animal ambassadors as memorable parts of the class.  

Alex G, Alex H, and Gabriel present their project “Down Deep with the Trash Heap,” and talk about why improving drainage systems on their campus would reduce pollution.  

Throughout the semester, students turned their curiosity into action by working in groups to develop ideas for improving environmental sustainability on campus. Inspired by a campus walk at the beginning of class, students developed group projects based off topics ranging from reusable lunch trays and drainage reconstruction to recycling clubs and composting initiatives. While some students were hesitant to conduct research in a group setting, post-survey results showed a 28% increase in students’ enjoyment of group work by the end of the semester. With guidance from Tampa Bay Watch instructors, students developed research skills, explored big-picture connections such as pollution and climate change, and created poster presentations to share their findings.  

Joel shows off his dissected lionfish gill rakers.  

At the end of the semester, students proudly presented their projects to Tampa Bay Watch staff and school leadership, demonstrating growth in both confidence and presentation skills. Many began the semester with little knowledge of environmental and marine science, and by the conclusion of the program we saw a 33% increase in students’ belief in their ability to make a positive environmental impact. By May, our students had transformed into curious, engaged environmental stewards eager to make a difference in their community. We are excited to continue this partnership during Academy Prep Tampa’s summer enrichment program, and look forward to sharing our passion for the Tampa Bay estuary and its watershed with even more students.  

Hear from Alexia Stewart, Mobile Education Program Coordinator at Tampa Bay Watch:

“Planning and facilitating a semester long class for middle schoolers at Academy Prep Tampa was a completely new experience for me, and it has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have had at Tampa Bay Watch so far. Throughout the semester, I watched students who were initially hesitant and scared to meet animals or participate in a dissection grow into confident marine science explorers who were eager to learn and unafraid to get hands-on. I watched them dive into lionfish dissections, handle iguanas with ease, and confidently perform chemistry experiments by the end of the semester. Witnessing their transformation, not only in their understanding of scientific concepts and laboratory skills but also in their self-confidence and belief in their own abilities, was truly inspiring! “

Thank you to our program sponsor, Honest1 Auto Care!

With their help, our educators were able to make a difference and help nuture the next generation of environmental stewards at Academy Prep!