Themes introduced to students the freshman year continue to develop during the sophomore year.

            Research III/IV expands the students’ knowledge as they learn about the Northern Kissimmee-Okeechobee-Everglades watershed. They practice sampling and analysis of invertebrates, water quality and plants. As they focus on the native flora they write an ethno-botany research paper.

            Because the health class now is part of the HOPE class, in research they now study elements of the former class: the value of recycling by using household waste for energy and Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations leading into a study of the government and politics of the Everglades.

            Students take an Honors Chemistry course where they learn about the properties of light and matter through hands-on engagement in laboratory experiments preparing them for Advanced Placement Environmental Science as juniors. Honors English provides opportunities for writing assignments for environmental contests as well as additional material about South Florida.

            Out-of-the-classroom learning continues as the students go slogging in the Everglades, take an airboat ride and visit the northern KOE.