Canterbury School of Florida’s Marine Studies program is school-wide, and focuses on all aspects of marine science and environmental education. It’s designed to enhance the traditional science curriculum and emphasizes human interactions with the ocean environment through community service efforts, field trips, research cruises, and habitat restoration projects.

Last fall, their PreK-12 students participated in St. Petersburg’s Blue Ocean Film Festival, including attendance at film screenings, talks by industry leaders in ocean conservation, and a community beach cleanup.

For the Festival’s student film competition, two club groups and a senior class member decided to produce their own work. The Middle School Marine Science Club, which also had a chance to meet famous marine biologist Dr. Sylvia Earle, submitted “Highlights of Current Ocean Issues in Florida.” Club members broke into small groups and worked on topics such as invasive lionfish, manatees, marine pollution, and boat pollution. The International Studies Club — including students from China, France, Spain and Mexico — spoke in their own languages about the importance of marine environmental protection.

Preston Buchanan, president of the school’s SCUBA Venture crew, directed a film based on his group’s trip to Key West and other adventures related to local and global partnerships with marine conservation organizations. It was recognized as one of the Festival’s top three youth videos for the Tampa Bay Area.