Eco Academy
Join Homeschool at Deering Eco Academy series every first Wednesday of the month, September – May. Classes will explore the fields of wildlife biology, marine biology, ecology, and environmental science.
Ages: 5 to 8
Time: 10AM – 1PM. Drop off & pickup are located at the Visitor Center.
Cost: $25 per session. Spaces are limited!
Wednesday, October 2, 2024 – SOLD OUT
Activity: Beak Activity and Bird Survey Hike
Description: We will be discussing animal adaptations as we design, build and test our very own bird beaks to figure out which design would be best for picking up a variety of different seeds. Students will also explore the various habitats within Deering in search of different bird species during peak fall migration.
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Activity: House Tour and Archaeology
Description: We will explore the historic home of Charles Deering to learn about this history of the site! Students will look back to learn what life was like in South Florida before the hustle and bustle we know today. The children will also become mini archaeologists as they search for replica artifacts in our archaeology demonstration site.
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
Activity: Ethnobotany Guides and How to Use a Compass
Description: We will learn how to navigate using compasses, they will do so by participating on a small hike around the estates. Students will also learn about Ethnobotany by creating their very own ethnobotany guides with details on useful plants that are native to South Florida.
Wednesday, January 8, 2025
Activity: Habitat Tour and Ecosystem Diagrams
Description: We will learn about the different ecosystems found in Florida by taking a tram ride through Deering Estate. The children will learn about what makes each ecosystem different: elevation, animals, vegetation, and more. They will create a take home diagram, depicting what they learned about each ecosystem.
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Activity: Herpetology (Anole Survey and Animal encounter)
Description: We will learn about the field of herpetology through identifying and counting different species of anoles through completing an anole survey throughout the grounds. Students will also be participating in an animal encounter by meeting our classroom animals.
Wednesday, March 5, 2025
Activity: Native Plant Clay Pots / Decorate Pots
Description: We will learn about the resources that plants need in order to survive. We will use the soil that we created using our compost bin to take native plants home in our very own clay pots. After transplanting, students will decorate their clay pots.
Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Activity: Squid Dissection and Fishing
Description: We will dissect a squid to learn about its anatomy. We will learn what overfishing is and how it affects all oceans. We will also fish in Biscayne Bay and learn about the fish found here in South Florida.
Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Activity: Catching Critters and Oil Spill
Description: We will explore the wonderful coastline ecosystem of Biscayne Bay and look for different marine creatures! Children will wade through the Biscayne Bay shoreline with nets to try to find as many marine animals living in the seagrass beds as they can. Children will also learn about oil spills and try to cleanup an oil spill.
*Registration online only*
Please note, scheduled activities are subject to change.
Check out our other Homeschool Programs here.
Registration is via Miami Dade County Park Link. Create your account today by clicking here.
Questions? Contact Us
