About Us:  Biscayne Nature Center for Environmental Educationn

The Biscayne Nature Center for Environmental Education, established by Miami-Dade County Public Schools in 1971, provides instructional programs which foster an awareness and appreciation of the natural world and promotes an understanding of ecological concepts. Programs emphasize the special geologic features, natural resources, and habitats of South Florida. BNCEE encourages students to develop a sense of stewardship and to live harmoniously with our vital native communities.

The BNCEE programs feature one to two days of field investigations in our National Environmental Study Area (1976 U.S. Department of Interior, National Park Service designation) located within Miami-Dade's Crandon Park on Key Biscayne.

Daily, six Miami-Dade County Environmental Science teachers instruct approximately 120 students, their accompanying classroom teachers, and parent chaperones, in hands-on environmental studies and multi-sensory observations within our varied ecosystems. Each year, more than 10,000 students visit the coastal strand hammock (native woods), intertidal zone, mangrove swamp, vegetated sand dunes, a unique fossil mangrove rock reef, and extensive seagrass beds associated with this sand barrier island.

The Program consists of three distinct types of student fieldtrips

Fifth Grade Students attend the Biscayne Nature Center for two days of field and laboratory experiences. A typical schedule involves investigations in the seagrass, coastal hammock, mangroves, and a marine "progression" laboratory. Major concepts include plant and animal adaptations; cycles of change during growth, reproduction, and decomposition; physical and behavioral patterns; interaction and interdependence of organisms and their environment (balance); similarity and variety of species; and environmental problems and their solutions.

Senior High Marine Science, Environmental Science, and Biology, grades 9 through 12 spend one day using field research techniques in the seagrass community. One hundred square meter quadrats are used in a population density survey. The study involves a systematic data collecting approach, teamwork field safety, basic marine taxonomy, record keeping, and data analysis.

ESE, varying exceptionality students in grades 4 through 12, take part in a variety of multi-sensory experiences. Seagrass, hammock, and lab studies are adapted to serve special needs.

Middle School Program students engage in activities using science process skills to investigate various maritime habitats. Data related to biotic and abiotic factors are analyzed in relation to the overall functioning of natural communities.

Additional Activities
  • Professional Development for Teachers
  • South Florida Regional Science & Engineering Fair
  • Miami-Dade County Public Schools Elementary Science Fair
  • Project INSTAR
  • Everglades Regional Envirothon
  • GLOBE Program
  • Online Curriculum Developmen
  • Ask an Environmental Educator Online