Author: Steven Shotola

Fort Pierce Central High School Team A was recently crowned the regional champion of the 19th Annual National Ocean Science Bowl. The “Florida Manatee Bowl” attracted 20 teams from across Florida in a competition that tests students’ knowledge on a wide range of chemical, physical, biological, environmental, and social issues of the ocean.  The competition took place at FAU-Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute and on the campus of the Marine Oceanographic Academy in Ft. Pierce. Ft. Pierce Central High School’s team consisted of Andrew Caputo, Cody Nichoson, Bryce Starr, Victor Alterizio and Riley Kicker.  The team was coached by Steven Shotola.    … Read More

Manatee Academy pre-veterinary science teacher Lisa Friend and Port St. Lucie High School biology teacher Michael Mimnaugh spent their summer conducting STEM related research at formal research institutions. Ms. Friend spent six weeks at the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory in Tallahassee, actively experimenting with superconducting magnets and spectral equipment to test crystals for magnetic properties. She co-authored a published scientific article as a result of the experience. “Bringing back insights into how scientific inquiry is conducted to the classroom will result in my students having more realistic and beneficial learning experiences,” she remarked. Mike Mimnaugh spent eight weeks at … Read More