About the Living Shorelines Program
FIU's Living Shorelines program connects middle and high school classrooms with university research in coastal ecology and 3D printing.
Participating teachers begin with professional development at FIU, followed by classroom visits from FIU experts and a student field trip to FIU's Robotics and Digital Fabrication Lab. Along the way, students explore how science and technology can be used to better understand and protect South Florida's coastlines.
How the Program Works
The Living Shorelines program combines teacher training, classroom instruction and a hands-on visit to FIU.
Teacher Professional Development
Participating teachers attend a full-day workshop at FIU focused on coastal ecosystem ecology, living shorelines and 3D-printing technology. Teachers receive a $500 stipend and may qualify for an additional $500 through FIU's Teacher Mentoring program.
Classroom Sessions
FIU experts visit participating schools for two hands-on sessions: one focused on coastal ecosystems and another on 3D-printing technology and design. Activities are designed for students in grades 8–12.
Field Trip to FIU
Students visit FIU's Robotics and Digital Fabrication Lab to see the technology they explored in class in action. Transportation and lunch are provided for participating groups.
A Day in Full
The professional development day is a rich, hands-on experience from morning through afternoon.
- 8:30 – 9:15 a.m. Breakfast and Introductions
- 9:15 – 10:45 a.m. Introduction to Coastal Ecosystems
- 10:45 – 11:45 a.m. Questions and Activity
- 12 – 1 p.m. Lunch Break
- 1 – 5 p.m. Robotics & Digital Fabrication Lab
What Participating Teachers Receive
- 01$500 Stipend + Additional $500 Opportunity Teachers receive a $500 stipend for participating and may earn an additional $500 through FIU's Teacher Mentoring program.
- 02Field Trip Costs Covered Transportation and lunch are provided for participating student groups visiting FIU.
- 033D Printing and Curriculum Participating classrooms receive access to 3D-printing activities and Living Shorelines curriculum at no cost.
- 04Sessions Led by FIU Experts FIU experts lead the professional development workshop and classroom sessions throughout the program.
- 05Standards-Aligned Activities Activities support Biology and Technology standards for students in grades 8–12.
Bring Living Shorelines to Your Classroom
Register for the FIU Living Shorelines Teacher Workshop. Participation is available at no cost to teachers or schools.
Register NowQuestions? Visit edoutreach.fiu.edu