Floating Classroom with Flex Learning Academy

On Wednesday, October 14, 2026, The International SeaKeepers Society hosted a group of 26 students and 2 chaperones from Flex Learning Academy for the first Floating Classroom of the 2026-2027 school year aboard DISCOVERY Vessel River Queen. After departing from the docks at Florida International University, we discussed the history and importance of several South Florida ecosystems, including seagrass meadows, mangrove forests, coral reefs, and The Everglades. While cruising South in the bay, students observed the coastal development all around them and identified how the presence of coastal cities, roads, and marinas has impacted the bay. After discussing the potential pollutants that emerge from all this coastal development, we introduced the water quality concepts we would be testing for- temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen level, and turbidity. Using our Earth Echo Water Challenge kits, we were able to test the bay water for these parameters and learn more about how pollutants and environmental conditions may impact these values. The students found the bay was 30 degrees Celsius, with a turbidity of 0, a pH of 7 and dissolved oxygen level of 6ppm. To finish the outing, we headed to Sandspur Island for a brief beach cleanup. It was clear that our absence was felt on the island after a couple months’ hiatus, as we were able to collect more than 21.9 pounds of trash in just 20 minutes! As we made our way back to the marina with all the debris, we discussed how marine debris can harm the local wildlife, and how we can prevent so much waste from ever reaching our ocean. We had a great experience collaborating with Flex Learning Academy, and we look forward to working with them in the future.