The first ever Guy Harvey Academy of Arts & Science has opened at Anna Maria Elementary School in Bradenton, Florida.
The Guy Harvey Foundation, which collaborates with local and international organizations to conduct scientific research and host educational programs aimed at better understanding and conserving the ocean environment, has been working closely with the School District of Manatee County to develop an art, math, and science-based curriculum to educate and engage young students on the importance of preserving our oceans and marine life while learning about the world’s environment.
“We are extremely excited to offer this incredibly unique learning opportunity to students in our district,” said Superintendent Cynthia Saunders. “Working with art, math and science educators through the Guy Harvey Foundation, we have developed a STEAM curriculum that draws on Dr. Harvey’s real-life experiences to guide students as they learn science and math through an art lens.”
The Guy Harvey Foundation is expanding its marine science curriculum to schools across Florida and beyond, attracting such partners as Brightmark, FPL, St. Joe Community Foundation, SeaWorld, Florida Virtual School, Florida Lottery and many other organizations.
There is a need for new, innovative professional development that will support a biological science curriculum as well as a need for updated current materials and resources. The Guy Harvey education initiatives are designed to enhance marine and environmental science courses for students in elementary school through high school.
“I am honored to be here to dedicate the first Guy Harvey Academy of Arts & Science where students will learn about the world’s environment and wildlife, have a better understanding of the importance of our oceans and its inhabitants and how they can preserve and protect both for future generations,” Dr. Harvey said. “It is so important that we continue to inform, educate and engage our students so they, along with their teachers and families, can enjoy and benefit from a properly balanced ocean ecosystem.”
In addition to the students at Anna Maria Elementary, planning for the academy also includes ways for students from other schools to gain exposure to lessons from the academy, including:
- field trip experiences that complement education materials developed for the academy;
- summer camps to the Anna Maria Elementary campus for students in district Title I schools;
- immersive teacher professional development opportunities in the academy’s curriculum; and
- future inclusion of Guy Harvey Academy educational materials in all district elementary science classrooms and the addition of related courses in a district middle and high school.
The Guy Harvey Foundation STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math) curriculum is designed for students from elementary through high school. Teachers receive interactive hands-on training to take what they learned back to their classrooms, along with scientific equipment and educational materials provided by the Foundation, and guide their students through lessons related to marine ecosystems, conservation and art.
The Foundation is making marine and environmental science more enjoyable and engaging by implementing virtual field trips that include diving with sharks, investigating mangrove environments,witnessing sea turtles nesting and examining the impacts of pollution, climate change and overfishing on the marine world.
“At the Guy Harvey Foundation, we are committed to education and that’s why we were so excited to roll out our curriculum throughout Florida and beyond,” said Guy Harvey Foundation’s Co-Chairperson and Chief Brand Officer Jessica Harvey.
