The Statewide Ecosystem Assessment of Coastal and Aquatic Resources (SEACAR) is a statewide effort that brings together data from more than 150 scientific studies to understand how Florida’s coastal and aquatic ecosystems are changing. Through an easy‑to‑use online platform, SEACAR shares standardized data, maps, and assessments that help track the health of important habitats across the state.
To make this science more accessible to students and communities, SEACAR is expanding its communication and outreach efforts.
The Traveling Trunks Program is a collection of screen‑free, multisensory learning kits designed specifically for Florida classrooms. Each trunk includes hands‑on materials based on real SEACAR data and aligns with state educational standards. Created in partnership with Florida’s National Estuarine Research Reserves and the Coral Reef Conservation Program, these trunks help spark curiosity and support engaging, place‑based learning experiences. Below are the available trunks associated with the Traveling Trunks Program:
Target Audience: Grades 6 – 8
Salt marsh ecosystems are valuable habitats because of the many ecosystem services they provide. This lesson will highlight the key services of salt marsh ecosystems, explore how various impacts can affect these habitats and introduce restoration efforts that help to preserve them for future generations. In this trunk, students examine different approaches to coastal protection, with a specific focus on living shorelines. Students first analyze historic imagery to assess how a specified salt marsh shoreline has changed over time. The students then use a hands-on model to explore how different materials can be used to protect shorelines. As they progress, students will learn how and why estuaries are fantastic habitats that protect Florida’s coastlines.
Target Audience: Grades 3 – 5
Dive into the magical, underwater world of coral reef ecology and learn more about the vital benefits that healthy reefs can provide. While only covering a tiny portion of the ocean, coral reefs nurture a massive diversity of marine life, support coastal economies through fisheries and tourism, help protect shorelines from extreme weather and flooding, and provide immeasurable cultural and historical value to their coastal communities. As students progress through the lessons of this trunk, they will learn about the interconnected nature of species living on a reef, explore the concept of reef resilience, investigate species interactions and practice educating others through effective science communication skills.
Target Audience: Grades 3 – 5
Oyster reefs fulfill vital ecosystem functions and provide benefits that help the natural environment, including us. These functions range from essential habitat, coastal erosion protection, maintaining water quality, providing food and much more. In this trunk, students will participate in a simulation to explore the larval stage of an oyster during its life cycle.
Target Audience: Grades 9 - 12
This trunk provides an opportunity for students to analyze mangrove swamp and oyster reef data from the SEACAR database. Using the data, students will make observations and predict future trends of these habitats. Students will also practice using a dichotomous key, which can help scientists accurately identify organisms by working through a series of two-choice, yes-or-no questions based on observable traits. This type of tool is crucial for biodiversity studies, helping monitor environmental health and making conservation decisions.
This project is funded in part by a grant provided by the Office for Coastal Management under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, as amended, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Coastal Zone Management Program Section.
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