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Minimesters Offer Unique, Interactive Experiences

Out-of-Door’s Middle School trips are planned to complement what our students have learned in all of their classes throughout the year. The goal of each excursion is to expand upon classroom lessons and broaden their knowledge and experiences in new, exciting, and often challenging ways. Click for photos from the sixth grade, seventh grade, and eighth grade trips.
The sixth grade minimester was designed to continue the collaboration of the students’ core courses that has been ongoing throughout the year. Students focused on the ecology of the Florida Keys, maritime history, and environmental legislation during their visits to Everglades National Park and Marathon in the Florida Keys. Ultimately, students will use the knowledge acquired and data collected from their fieldwork to create a formal research proposal that will be displayed at a Capstone Symposium. 

The seventh grade journey began at Kennedy Space Center where students focused on four key areas of the park: Exploring the Moon, "Heroes and Legends” Hall of Fame, Atlantis Shuttle, and Rocket Garden. Students were immersed in interactive exhibits that gave true perspective on the challenges scientists faced while preparing for our forays into space. A stop at Disney’s Epcot included an interactive photo scavenger hunt to learn about specific countries' cultures and traditions. On the final day, the group participated in an Imagination Campus presentation on Immersive Storytelling at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Students collaborated to create and design the newest chapter at a Disney park, focusing on attractions, food, costume design, and landscaping.

With a focus on American history, the eighth grade began their fast-paced minimester with a walking tour of the streets of New York City that included Fifth Avenue, the 9/11 Memorial, Chinatown, and the Top of the Rock. After traveling south to Washington D.C., the following days were filled with the essence of Washington, D.C.–the Lincoln Memorial, Holocaust Museum, Arlington National Cemetery, Martin Luther King, Jr. and Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorials, and the World War II, Korean, and Vietnam Veterans Memorials. After the eighth graders spent their final day at the American History and African-American museums, they left D.C. exhausted but inspired from their first-hand experiences at these iconic and important locations.

We were excited to offer this ODA tradition again this year, where students interact with the material they have learned throughout the year, while also gaining a sense of independence as they travel with their teachers and peers.
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The Out-of-Door Academy

LOWER SCHOOL |  Historic Siesta Key Campus  |  Pre-K – Grade 5
444 Reid Street, Sarasota, FL 34242  |  941-349-3223  |  Fax: 941-349-8133

LOWER SCHOOL |  Lower School Campus on Clark Road  |  Pre-K – Grade 1
11011 Clark Rd, Sarasota, FL 34241   |  COMING SOON

MIDDLE & UPPER SCHOOLS
  |  Uihlein Campus in Lakewood Ranch  |  Grades 6 – 8 |  Grades 9 – 12
5950 Deer Drive, Sarasota, FL 34240  |  941-349-3223  |  Fax: 941-907-1251
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