(SCIENCE)
Students, Curiosity, Intrigued, Engaged, Nurtured, Connected, Experiences
By C. Mulla
Curiosity, observation, creativity, critical thinking, and interactive science laboratories form the runway from which Beach Mosquito Control District’s (BMCD) science programs take flight. Fueled by supporting educators and young inquisitive students, BMCD’s science programs successfully target each individual grade level by incorporating and reinforcing The State of Florida’s Sunshine State Standards, Benchmarks and the Common Core. All individual lesson presentations coordinate with the academic calendar for each grade level and become the building block for the next program’s foundation. Since mosquito control is biologically and scientifically based, we understand how important it is for students to comprehend the correct order and function of each step of the scientific method. To that end, we introduce, educate, incorporate, and reinforce the order of the scientific method during our hands-on learning laboratory section of our programs. No matter what age level, demonstrating through engaging, firsthand learning experiences is key to fostering a love of learning. BMCD works to ignite the initial spark of curiosity and give students the confidence to become critical thinkers/problem solvers while making everyday real-world science connections.
Our variety of educational programs includes students from Pre-K through 9th grade. Select programs offer the opportunity for students to experience and conduct outdoor field biology work on their school campus, learn the importance of recording data, work with live specimens, and even possibly encounter negative impacts to their projects. Science is not perfect. However, we do not stop there. Students will analyze their data, form solutions and perform mathematical calculations, and graph their results. In addition, we reinforce the importance of being a good environmental steward by demonstrating respect for our planet and all living organisms.
The goal for a successful mosquito control management program begins with education. BMCD’s Public Relations/Educational Outreach section represents the district. We strive to teach and train, establish relationships, and nurture community partnerships with the district’s residents, visitors, businesses, local schools, civic clubs, as well as other Panama City Beach area public agencies. We also offer educational group programs to assist all levels of both local Boy and Girl Scouts of America as they work towards and earn their badges.
By keeping our mosquito control message mobile, BMCD’s educational trailer makes multiple stops each year at community events throughout the year. We absolutely love it when local students show off their mosquito knowledge to their parents while visiting our education trailer. These students are our mosquito prevention messengers, delivering and broadcasting our important public health information. Beach Mosquito Control District’s Public Outreach and Public Relations section is dedicated to keeping the Panama City Beach residents and visitors safe from potential arbovirus diseases through education and prevention.
In addition to hitting the road with BMCD’s Educational trailer, we roll out the BMCD helicopter, decorate it and participate in two annual Panama City Beach Parades, The Pirates on the High Seas Parade and The Optimist Clubs Annual Christmas Parade. Everyone loves a parade, and we love to show our appreciation to our local community.
Beach Mosquito Control District has been presenting our science programs for almost twenty years and is especially grateful for the continual positive support from the Panama City Beach’s local school administrators, teachers, parents, and residents.
Beach Mosquito Control District’s science programs are completely free – all supplies included, just need your curiosity!
For any additional information about Beach Mosquito Control District or the programs we offer our local community call (850) 233-5030 or visit www.pcbeachmosquito.org.
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