Pure Florida’s Fort Myers location recently took local educators and their children on two complimentary cruises to preview its Marine Science Field Trips, where passengers had the opportunity to gain firsthand experience of the educational field trip cruises provided by Pure Florida. Available from its Naples and Fort Myers locations, Pure Florida’s Marine Science Field Trips feature a hands-on educational opportunity which incorporate coordinated life science curriculum for Pre-K through sixth grade students. The cruise showcases Southwest Florida ecosystems and the wildlife native to the area, and students have the
opportunity to learn about healthy estuaries, the history of the Caloosahatchee River and healthy practices for clean water preservation.
Marine Science Field Trip options include approximately 1.5-hour and 2-hour educational cruises that allow children to work in groups to test the quality of local waterways for phosphate, nitrate, pH, salinity, turbidity and other water-related activities. Schools also have the opportunity to include engineering challenges, such as “Float Your Boat” and “Submersibles” for students to complete. All programming is coordinated with the Next Generation Florida Sunshine State Science Standards, and teachers will receive curriculum outlines with vocabulary and ideas for additional activities following the field trip. Schools may also elect to have a Pure Florida educator visit the classroom in advance of the field trip through the Sea to Land Science in the Classroom program. This experience allows students to participate in science experiments prior to the cruise in order to review the scientific method and best practices so that students are excited and prepared for the field trip.
“We are pleased to have the opportunity to show local educators what our Marine Science Field Trips are all about, and get them excited about how this unique experience can benefit their students,” said Lance Julian, co-founder of Pure Florida. “This educational cruise gives students the opportunity to make real-life connections with the concepts that are being taught in the classroom, and through these field trips we hope to encourage students to develop a deeper appreciation for the natural beauty of Southwest Florida.”
Registration for the Marine Science Field Trips is $15 per child and $15 per adult chaperones with free admission for teachers. Groups are encouraged to bring lunch or select Pure Florida’s preferred vendor, Jason’s Deli, to cater their meals. Advanced registration is required for all Marine Science Field Trips out of Naples or Fort Myers. The M/V Double Sunshine departs from the historic Tin City, located at 1200 Fifth Ave. S. in Naples and the M/V Edison Explorer departs from The Marina at Edison Ford, located at 2360 W. First St. in Fort Myers. For more information on Pure Florida and its cruises, visit www.PureFL.com.
About Pure Florida
In 2009, father-and-son duo Captains Lance and Harry Julian acquired the Naples-based Double Sunshine and Lady Brett fishing vessel, and have grown the company to include 19 vessels and two locations providing a variety of unique eco-excursions for its visitors that incorporate maritime history, tourism, sightseeing and entertainment. With locations in Naples and Fort Myers, the water attraction company offers sunset and specialty cruises as well as boat and Jet Ski rentals, fishing charters, group events and educational field trips for schools and students. In addition to Pure Florida, the founders are also partners in Marine Team International and Pure Image Productions, providing professional marine consulting, television and video production and photography services. With a long history in maritime productions, Lance and Harry Julian have helped to create some of the most memorable water scenes in film production, with credits including “Titanic” and “Waterworld,” and television credits such as the reality show, “Survivor.” As the fifth and sixth generation working within the maritime industry, Lance and Harry Julian enjoy sharing their passion and expertise with fellow adventurers in the Southwest Florida area. For more information, visit www.PureFL.com or call its Naples location at 239-263-4949 or its Fort Myers location at 239-919-2965.
