Everglades National ParkSHARK VALLEY GUIDE |
![[Teacher Responsibilities]](../rpguide/teachertr.gif)
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Everglades National ParkSHARK VALLEY GUIDE |
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Attend a Teacher Workshop if you are new to the program or have not led a Shark Valley field trip in the last two years.
For field trip permission, follow your school systemÍs regulations. Once your reservation form has been received, a reply letter will be mailed to you, with a yellow confirmation postcard only if a date has been reserved for you. Return the yellow card, signed by your principal, immediately.
Arrange for transportation if you are not a Dade County Public school, or if you have been asked to provide your own. Compliance with bus capacity and bus regulations is mandatory!
Obtain parental permission forms and, if needed, travel authorization/insurance.
Select chaperons. One adult is required for every 10 students. Chaperons are expected to assist with safety and discipline and must participate in all activities.
Conduct student pre-site program preparations: utilize this Guide, the Everglades Activity Guide, and the Activity Kit, if available.
Remind students that they are not allowed to bring cameras, binoculars, tape recorders, radios, games, money, or backpacks as these items could get lost and tend to distract from the learning experience.
Go over park rules/regulations. Collecting or damaging any plants or animals is prohibited. Nothing may be taken from the park. Gum, food and drink items are not allowed on the bus, tram, or trails. Students must leave a clean picnic area! Also, there will be other park visitors enjoying the park so voice levels must be kept low.
| Please tell rangers any special needs of your group before the tram trip starts. All rangers carry radios and can request emergency medical assistance. If a student in your group is injured or not feeling well, notify a ranger immediately. |
Safety is everyone's concern. Safe behavior will guarantee a safe trip!
Explain to all program participants that they must come prepared with proper clothing and foot wear for an outdoor experience. A long sleeved jacket, long pants, and tennis shoes are best. Absolutely no shorts or open-toed shoes! Always be prepared for extreme cold weather and windy conditions on any Shark Valley field trip.
Name tags are a must for courtesy and safety! A piece of masking tape with the first name written in big letters works well. All name tags should be easy to read at a distance and should not fall off.
Bag lunches are another must. Except for water, no food or drink is available. Each teacher should put the bag lunches in boxes that can be stowed under the bus seats. Each teacher may also bring one ice chest. Color code boxes to match name tags, which will make lunch and after-lunch activities run more efficiently. Assign student lunch helpers to carry boxes and ice chests.
After lunch each class will be divided into 2 groups, thus making a total of 4 groups. (Two will be teacher-led and two will be ranger-led.) The groups will rotate, going up the tower to the observation platform, exploring the nature trail, and using the restrooms.
Purchase non-aerosol insect repellent. Generally, repellent is not necessary, however, it is best to come prepared!
Most importantly, have fun! Enjoy your National Park!
Finally, follow up the field trip with post-site activities. Design food webs, create Everglades riddles, draw pictures, write poetry, send letters to your rangers having the students explain how they plan to save water, encourage students to share the story of their Everglades adventure by creating a mural....
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