Accepting bookings HERE for the 2025-2026 School Year!
Empowering Educators: Standards, Resources, and Development
At Gulf Coast Explorers, we are committed to creating educational experiences that meet both state and national standards. Below, you’ll find how our programs align with the Alabama State Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to ensure
your students benefit from curriculum-based learning during their field trip experience.
Alabama State Standards
Our field trips align with Alabama standards for science, history, and environmental education. Here are highlights for grades 3–12:
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3rd Grade Science:
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SC.3.10: Investigate and describe life cycles of organisms and their adaptations to environments.
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SC.3.11: Classify organisms based on characteristics and habitats.
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5th Grade Science:
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SC.5.9: Investigate and explain the interdependence of plants, animals, and the environment in ecosystems.
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SC.5.11: Interpret how human activity impacts the environment and ecosystems.
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7th Grade Life Science:
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SC.7.5: Analyze and interpret data about the cycling of matter and energy in ecosystems.
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SC.7.12: Evaluate how technology is used to protect Earth’s resources and environments.
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10th Grade Environmental Science:
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SC.ES.6: Develop solutions for minimizing human impact on the environment.
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12th Grade Marine Biology (Elective):
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Conduct investigations of coastal ecosystems, focusing on biodiversity and conservation.
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Alabama History (Multiple Grades):
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Explore the historical significance of the Gulf Coast region, including its role in trade, settlement, and conservation efforts.
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Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
For schools outside of Alabama, our field trips are designed to align with NGSS for grades 3–12. Key standards include:
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3rd Grade:
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3-LS3-2: Use evidence to explain the diversity of organisms in ecosystems.
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3-LS4-3: Construct arguments for the benefits of protecting ecosystems.
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5th Grade:
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5-PS3-1: Use models to describe how energy from the sun impacts ecosystems.
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5-ESS3-1: Generate and compare solutions for environmental conservation.
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Middle School:
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MS-LS2-3: Develop a model to describe the cycling of matter in ecosystems.
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MS-ESS3-4: Construct arguments about human impacts on biodiversity.
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High School:
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HS-ESS3-4: Evaluate solutions for reducing human environmental impact.
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HS-LS2-7: Design, evaluate, and refine solutions for biodiversity conservation.
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Teacher Resources
Access tools and materials to extend learning before, during, and after your trip.
Professional Development
The Professional Development Seminar is a 3-day, 2-night trip that takes teachers out of the classroom and into the field, to experience the Gulf Coast in an unforgettable way. We offer at least 2 seminars each year - usually one in the fall, and one in the spring. Teachers are awarded 14 CEU hours for completing the seminar.
Teachers attending the Professional Development Seminar stay at The Gulf Shores Beach Retreat. Meals are provided while at the facility, and you can enjoy our swimming pools, sand volleyball courts, and the beautiful Gulf of Mexico beaches on your down time.
