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Pelican Island Audubon Society P O Box 1833 Vero Beach, FL 32961 After School Program: Overcoming Nature -Deficit Disorder Grant $20,000 Funds used $20,000 (100% ) Total Children Served (Year to Date) 96 Cost per Child:$208.33 Focus Area addressed: Program to combat nature deficit disorder thru Lagoon Science Afterschool Education program Taxonomy number: B04.03 After-school Enrichment & CO2 Environmental Education Program Description: Audubon Advocates Afterschool Science Outdoor Education Program works to combat nature deficit disorder for 5t' graders from four Title 1 South Indian River County Schools, tuition free, providing transportation to and from the Audubon House. In September, we began our second school year at the Audubon House; by serving up to 96 students in the 12 week sessions (Sept -Dec. & Jan- May); expanding to serve twice as many students, as our pilot year. Collaboration: Our collaboration with Indian River School district included a donated used school bus, and four select school based teachers that provided continuity for the students. The four school principals endorsed the program and continued to provide support throughout the school year. Pelican Island Audubon Society was fortunate to have volunteer scientists from OF FMEL and from PIAS. The collaboration with AFLOC terminated midterm as AFLOC dissolved (However, continuity remained as we absorbed their staff). The Audubon House Nature Center was the home base for the program which included: wading in the lagoon mangroves- nursery of the ocean; blood suckers all around us, how to journal, sketch like a professional, Hammock & Scrub habitat, with field trips to the wastewater treatment plant for bird watching and identification, and learning to kayak on the Indian River Lagoon observing and documenting oyster beds, and free play. Goal and Outcomes: Goal 1: Expand after school science program for 5h graders: Increase 5h grade student participation in our accessible after-school science exploration program up from our current enrollment (2015-16, 48 students) by 50%. These four schools serve largely disadvantaged student populations (84% of student population).This program will result in an increase in student's knowledge and understanding of science concepts, will promote conservation and stewardship activities, change student attitudes, and behavior, and result in an overall positive impact on student's mental and physical health, as reflected in their confidence, self-esteem, creativity, curiosity and overall enjoyment of being outdoors. Result: 96 students attended the program and 94 attended Audubon Advocates Graduation. Science grades increased by one grade level at the end of the student advocates 12 week course. The students self-reported that they felt more comfortable about being outdoors and their activities of exercise increased by 50%. This was followed up by staff calling parents and personal interviews; stating the same results. -9- 22