Environmental-Studies

Dowdell Environmental Studies & Technology Magnet Program

Dowdell's Magnet Program offers a comprehensive exciting environmental studies program which uses an interdisciplinary, technology-rich curriculum. Within the Environmental Studies Program, our objective is to instill an environmental ethic into the lives of our youth by challenging the students to choose their own ways of demonstrating a sense of responsibility for both our local and global environments.

Throughout the program, students acquire opportunities to learn the knowledge and practice the skills that will prepare them to be responsible citizens. At Dowdell, we know people are dependent on the Earth's dynamic systems and must participate in responsible actions to enhance and protect the quality of our environment.  

Key Features:

At Dowdell, students are encouraged to:

Campus field sites, pond, bird nature trail, & greenhouse Many curriculum-related off-site field experiences and environmental projects on and off campus An environmental component in all classes including career awareness An environmental course in each team whose focus is: 6th - energy, 4 Rs, Hills. River, birds, animals 7th - biodiversity and water issues 8th - marine science Environmental electives: Agriscience, Florida Wildlife, Threatened & Endangered Animals, & Global Issues Internet training, access, and use through hookups with other classes, and projects around the country Business partnerships with local business such as the Florida Aquarium, City of Tampa Water Department, USF Marine Science Department, South West Florida Water Management District, Lowry Park Zoo, and Florida Office of Environmental Education

Use technology as a tool to research, communicate, and explore environmental and curriculum issues.   Excel through use of interdisciplinary explorations.   Participate in innovative, challenging and exciting classroom strategies that guide them through a comprehensive curriculum.   Collaborate among other students, teachers, parents, business partners, and the community at large to participate in community service projects that will develop environmentally literate citizens.

Laboratory for the Distance Learning Class. Community service in our area by sharing literature books with younger children at a local day care. National Plastics Center and Museum's "PlastiVan" including experiments demonstrating properties of plastic.

National Hurrigame program out of the University of Michigan. Global Learning and Observations for the Betterment of the Environment (GLOBE) Program which is tied into NASA. Our agriscience program works with the Florida state Univ. Explorers Program and received a weather satellite down station.