Crystal Springs Classes Due to the popularity of this activity, our group sessions are open to HEAT Families only. This is a bit of a drive but well worth it! This was one of my kid's favorite activities when they were younger. LOCATION: 1609 Crystal Springs Preserve Crystal Springs, Fl 33524 NEW RULES!!! Kids must be a minimum of age 8 for the elementary programs. No younger siblings are allowed to participate or to be on the property during classes. Only 40 people (including adults) may be on site A parent must stay on site but families can work together and one parent can bring a group of kids. $10 per student MORE: Students of all ages will be immersed in Florida nature through hands on programs with passionate teachers. These classes have the a highlight of our homeschooling years! A 525-acre sanctuary devoted to environmental education and dedicated to the preservation of Florida's natural environment, Crystal Springs Preserve features a wealth of wilderness experiences for visitors. Featured within the preserve is Crystal Springs, a Magnitude 2 Spring System, discharging 30 million gallons of water per day. Elementary River Rats Water Adventure and Awesome Aquifers Monday, April 1st 9:30-1:00 PM Take a tour of Crystal Springs Foundation's habitats and explore Florida's magnificent aquifer system. Explore the Hillsborough River and its spring runs. Grab a dip net and perform a biodiversity survey. Catch and identify the invertebrates and vertebrates that live in the waters of the Preserve. Note: **Students should wear closed-toed shoes that can get muddy and dirty** Getting Buggy With It and Hanging Out in the Habitat Monday, April 15th 9:30-1:00 PM Explore the fascinating world of insects! Students will investigate the characteristics of insects and collect living specimens to observe using bug viewers. Take a nature hike to explore the amazing diversity of life at the Preserve. Learn about habitats, niches, ecosystems and food webs. Explore the preserve's wilderness areas and check out the native and non native species of plants and animals. Hunt for the clues that animals have left behind. Trek back into the woods with one of CSF's educators. Identify plants along the river. Look at the karst rock topography of the woods and river. Spot wildlife of all sizes. Also, join us in our learning lab to visit with our animal ambassadors. Get an up close look at some of Florida's native reptiles and amphibians. Learn how these often misunderstood animals help our habitats everyday! Middle School Tech Trek and River Critter Round-Up Tuesday, April 9th 9:30-1:00 PM Challenge your students with our high adventure wilderness course! Explore Florida's rivers and streams using both orienteering compasses and hand held GPS units. Walk over the karst rock topography of the woods and river. Students will work together in teams to map their course and learn about native plants and animals along the way.. One of our most popular programs! Take a tour of Crystal Springs Foundation and learn how the water in the spring gets to and from the aquifer. Students will do a biodiversity survey of the invertebrates and vertebrates that live in the river. Observe them under a microscope. Use your critical thinking skills to explore diversity and ecosystem health. Note: Student should wear closed toed shoes that can get muddy and dirty. $10 per student You may pay online, drop payment by the Homeschool Resource Center, or mail it to Tampa Bay HEAT, 1011 Knowles Rd. Brandon, 33511. Space will fill as payment is received. | 