Palm View K-8

Palm View K-8 8th Graders Dive into Ocean Discovery What a fin-tastic field trip! On Wednesday, October 15, Palm View 8th graders set sail for a day of discovery at the Florida Institute of Oceanography in St. Petersburg. Students had the rare opportunity to board and tour two research vessels, guided by none other than the ships’ captains themselves — an unforgettable experience for our future scientists and explorers! The excitement continued as students gathered around the ship’s moon pool — a large opening in the vessel’s hull that allows scientists to lower tools, instruments, and even submersibles directly into the ocean. They also got a close-up look at a remote operated vehicle (ROV), and each student even had the chance to pilot a $200,000 mini-ROV using a controller that looked surprisingly like an Xbox game controller! Two presenters shared insight into the many careers connected to marine research, from ship operations to ocean science and environmental studies, inspiring students to think about future possibilities on (and under) the water. Docked alongside the University of South Florida St. Petersburg, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and a U.S. Coast Guard Station, the research vessels are surrounded by incredible real-world learning opportunities. Students even watched planes take off at Albert Whitted Airport, adding another layer of excitement to the day. As a Woz Ed Career Pathways school, Palm View K-8 encourages students to explore STEM careers and future-ready skills through hands-on experiences just like this one. From technology to teamwork, the day reinforced how curiosity, creativity, and innovation open the door to endless opportunities. #ManateeSchoolsGoodNews