More than 400 fourth grade students in DeSoto County recently visited the Florida Aquarium with expenses for the trip paid for by a Mosaic grant. Students and teachers at West, Nocatee and Memorial Elementary schools traveled to Tampa to learn about the unique marine environments and habitats surrounding Florida’s shorelines.

“Trips such as this are an extension of the classroom which moves the material studied in textbooks to something that is real for our students,” said DeSoto County School Superintendent Adrian Cline. “The Florida Aquarium provides a curriculum that correlates with the Florida Sunshine State Standards.  We are most thankful to Mosaic for making this exceptional opportunity available to all of our fourth grade students. Our students will not forget this trip.”