VCS Field STEM
Where Classroom Learning Meets Florida's Living Laboratories
The Volusia County Schools STEM Field Study Program provides secondary science students and teachers with immersive, hands-on learning experiences in Florida's natural environments. Located at Spruce Creek Park, the program transforms local ecosystems into living classrooms where students investigate real-world scientific questions while applying the concepts they learn in school. Through inquiry-based investigations, environmental monitoring, authentic data collection, and STEM exploration, students strengthen critical thinking, scientific reasoning, collaboration, and problem-solving skills while developing a lifelong appreciation for Florida's unique natural resources. Whether collecting water quality data, studying biodiversity, exploring biotechnology, or investigating local ecosystems, every field experience is designed to connect classroom learning with authentic scientific practices.
Our Story: Celebrating 20 Years
The VCS STEM Field Study Program was established in 2006 by Volusia County Schools educator Louise Chapman. Originally known as Rose Bay Field Studies, the program was created to connect students with Florida’s natural environments through authentic, hands-on scientific exploration. The program later became Project IBIS before evolving into today’s VCS STEM Field Study Program. Although its name and instructional opportunities have expanded, its purpose remains rooted in Louise Chapman’s original vision: providing students with meaningful opportunities to investigate, understand, and protect the natural world. During the 2026–2027 school year, the program proudly celebrates its 20th anniversary—marking two decades of field-based science education, teacher support, environmental stewardship, and unforgettable learning experiences for Volusia County students.
What Students Experience
Students participate in authentic scientific investigations using the same tools, techniques, and practices employed by environmental scientists and researchers.
Field experiences may include:
- Estuary and wetland ecology
- Water quality investigations
- Biodiversity surveys and species identification
- Aquatic organism sampling
- Environmental data collection and analysis
- Scientific field sampling techniques
- Biotechnology and DNA investigations
- Hydroponics and sustainable agriculture
- Wildlife observation and identification
- Scientific inquiry and experimental design
Each visit is designed to reinforce classroom instruction while encouraging students to think critically, ask questions, solve problems, and experience science firsthand.
Supporting Teachers
The VCS STEM Field Study Program partners with secondary science teachers throughout Volusia County Schools to provide standards-aligned field investigations that enhance classroom instruction. Lessons are designed to complement district curriculum and Florida's Science Standards while giving students opportunities to apply scientific concepts through authentic, hands-on experiences. Teachers work alongside the Field STEM Program to create memorable learning opportunities that cannot be replicated within the traditional classroom. In addition to student field experiences, the program also provides professional learning opportunities, instructional resources, and collaborative partnerships that support science educators across the district.
Why Field STEM?
Science is most meaningful when students have the opportunity to experience it. Research consistently demonstrates that students develop a deeper understanding of scientific concepts when they actively investigate real-world phenomena. By transforming Florida's ecosystems into living classrooms, the VCS STEM Field Study Program encourages curiosity, strengthens scientific literacy, and helps students build the confidence to think and work like scientists. Our goal is not simply to teach students about science—but to help them become scientists through observation, investigation, collaboration, and discovery.
Our Mission
To inspire curiosity, cultivate scientific thinking, and connect students with the natural world through authentic, hands-on STEM experiences that transform Florida's ecosystems into living classrooms.
Program Highlights
The VCS STEM Field Study Program offers opportunities in:
- Authentic Field Investigations
- Environmental Monitoring
- Biotechnology & DNA Analysis
- Hydroponics & Sustainable Agriculture
- Water Quality Monitoring
- Biodiversity & Wildlife Studies
- Scientific Data Collection
- Research-Based Learning
- STEM Career Exploration
- Teacher Professional Development
- Community Partnerships
- Citizen Science Projects
Honoring Our Legacy
The VCS STEM Field Study Program proudly honors the vision of Louise Chapman, who established the program in 2006, and the educators who helped build Rose Bay Field Studies and Project IBIS. Their dedication has inspired generations of Volusia County students to explore, understand, and protect Florida’s natural environments. As we celebrate the program’s 20th anniversary during the 2026–2027 school year, we remain committed to preserving that legacy while continuing to develop innovative field experiences for the next generation of scientists, environmental stewards, and lifelong learners.
The VCS STEM Field Study Program is made possible through the generosity, expertise, and dedication of our community partners, volunteers, sponsors, and grant providers. Their support helps provide authentic learning experiences, scientific equipment, instructional resources, transportation assistance, and innovative educational opportunities that extend far beyond what traditional funding alone can provide. Every grant awarded, volunteer hour shared, partnership formed, and donation received directly benefits the students and teachers of Volusia County Schools. Together, we are building a stronger future for STEM education.
Community Partners
The VCS STEM Field Study Program is proud to collaborate with universities, environmental agencies, nonprofit organizations, businesses, volunteers, and community leaders who share our commitment to STEM education and environmental stewardship.
These partnerships strengthen our ability to provide authentic learning experiences while connecting students with real-world scientists, researchers, educators, and conservation professionals.
Support the Program
Interested in becoming a partner?
The VCS STEM Field Study Program welcomes collaborations with businesses, universities, nonprofit organizations, scientists, environmental professionals, and community volunteers who are passionate about inspiring the next generation of STEM leaders.
Whether through grants, sponsorships, equipment donations, volunteer service, educational programming, or collaborative research, your support helps expand opportunities for thousands of Volusia County students every year.
To learn more about partnership opportunities, please contact the VCS STEM Field Study Program.
For information about scheduling field experiences, teacher professional development, partnerships, volunteer opportunities, or program support, please contact:
Jennifer Hanke
STEM Field Resource Teacher
Volusia County Schools
"The best way to understand our world is to explore it."