Submitted by Troy Rogers
Jazmyn Jane feeds a giraffe during a visit to Busch Gardens in Tampa, Fla., which was just one of several science related experiences Sullivan students encountered on their trip this past June.

August 6, 2014

Sullivan students embark on biennial science trip to Florida

by Keith Stewart
keith@newsprogress.com

From snorkeling with manatees and feeding giraffes, to dissecting sharks and kayaking on barrier reefs, there’s a trip Sullivan students have taken every other year for the last five years that completely immerses them in a world of science and marine biology over just three days.

Near the beginning of June, 16 Sullivan students from both the eighth and ninth grade classes travelled to Tampa, Fla. and experienced nonstop hands-on science, first beginning with a trip north of Tampa to the Crystal Springs Preserve. There the students swam with manatees and even interacted with a mother and its calf, before then traveling to the Rainbow River, where students enjoyed more snorkeling in the fresh water spring fed river.

“There was a mile and a half stretch we snorkeled in,” explained SHS science instructor and trip leader Troy Rogers. “We saw shoals of tilapia, and there are bubbling springs, so there is bubbling water that is coming up to the surface. Then there are also caverns 20 feet down. It’s just a really neat experience and really my favorite one, but each time it’s different.”

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