Marine Biology

Dates: April 6-15, 2023

COST: $2,050 (travel to and from Miami Airport is not included)
AGES: 14 and up
WHERE: Florida Keys

A $250 deposit is required upon application. If you are not accepted your deposit will be refunded. If you are accepted you will be informed of next steps.

2023 Registration is closed

We are no longer accepting applications for the 2023 course. You can sign up to the email list to get notified when registration for the 2024 trip opens (select the Marine Biology Waitlist from the options provided).

What is the Marine Biology adventure like?

Experience life as a Marine Biologist and earn credit*!

For 30 years Michael and Denise Lane have taken students down to the Florida Keys to experience life as marine biologist researchers and deepen their relationship with God. High school students can even earn credits*!

  • marine biology students snorkeling at the reef
  • marine biology students learn through games and practical applications
  • marine biology isntructor Michael Lane lecturing under palm trees
  • Marine Biology students singing and dancing to worship songs on the beach
  • Marine biology students doing a microscope lab outdoors

This course is a hands-on approach to Marine Biology under the beautiful sunshine of Florida. Every day will be spent visiting different habitats, collecting specimens, classifying those specimens, and engaging lectures. All work is done in a small group setting. This class is a lot of fun and a lot of work!

*See Terms and Conditions

2023 Registration is closed

We are no longer accepting applications for the 2023 course. You can sign up to the email list to get notified when registration for the 2024 trip opens (select the Marine Biology Waitlist from the options provided).

Additionally, the E4F Marine Biology program is the only Christian based program of its kind in the United States. The program includes daily worship and Bible study activities to help students grow spiritually and be curious about their Creator!

Space is limited! Get your application in early to be considered!

  • a marine biology student holding a sea slug
  • marine biology students swim amongst the mangrove habitat
  • marine biology highschool and homeschool students out on an excursion
  • marine biology highschool students learning to classify a specimen
  • marine biology students feeding stingrays

Already went on the Marine Biology trip? No problem! Come back as a research student!

After completing the Marine Biology course, you are eligible to return as a Research Student. Michael will help you come up with a project and provide you with the necessary materials to conduct your research onsite.

2023 Registration is closed

We are no longer accepting applications for the 2023 course. You can sign up to the email list to get notified when registration for the 2024 trip opens (select the Marine Biology Waitlist from the options provided).

Most questions can be answered by viewing the Marine Biology Terms & Conditions.

FAQs

Registration

I am having problems with payment or making my deposit:

If you are encountering a technical issues with making your deposit or paying your final bill, please contact info@evidence4faith.org for assistance.

Registration is closed, how can I get information for the next trip? / Can I get on a cancelation or waitlist?
Where can I review all the terms and conditions?

Terms and conditions may be reviewed on the Marine Biology Terms and Conditions page.

How do I register?

You must fill out and submit an application AND submit your $250 deposit.

Traveling

When is the trip?

April 6th to the 15th, 2023.

How do I get there?

We will all meet at Miami Airport on April 6th and leave as a group on a bus by 2:00 PM. You are responsible for booking your flights to and from Miami Airport. Plan to arrive before 2:00 PM. Students will be notified of staff and instructor flight information if they wish to travel together. Transportation from the airport is covered by the Program Fees.

How do I get home?

We will bus everyone to Miami Airport by 2:00 PM on April 15th. Do not schedule your departure flight until after 2:00 PM. Transport to the airport is included in the Program Fees.

When should I make my travel arrangements or buy pane tickets?

You can make travel arrangements as soon as you are accepted in the program. If you are buying a plane ticket, we recommend you get a refundable ticket or travel insurance in case travel plans need to be changed at the last minute (weather, sickness, cancelation, earth falls out of orbit… etc.).

What is included in the program fees?

The Program fees cover all activity fees, boat rides, meals on site, housing, transportation, an official t-shirt, and all instructional material. The final meal at a seafood restaurant is not included in the program fees (we suggest you budget $15-$30 but it will be up to you to decide how much you would like to eat). An optional official sweatshirt can be purchased separately. There will also be an opportunity to shop for souvenirs. You will also need to pack your own snorkel gear and swim suits. No rental equipment will be available

What is not included in the program fees?

Your transportation between your home and the Miami airport are not covered in the program fees. You do not have to fly, some choose to drive. The final meal at a seafood restaurant is not included in the program fees (we suggest you budget $15-$30 but it will be up to you to decide how much you would like to eat). An optional official sweatshirt can be purchased separately (typically around $30). There will also be an opportunity to shop for souvenirs. You will also need to pack your own snorkel gear and swim suits. No rental equipment will be available

What should I pack?

A packing list will be sent to all students who have been accepted. You will need to bring your own snorkel gear, swim gear and other travel necessities. Don’t forget sunscreen!

What is you refund policy?

If you have been accepted, the program deposit is not refundable. If you are accepted and choose not to attend before March 23rd, you will be eligible for a partial refund as determined by our registration staff as funds are already invested in the trip. Cancellations made after March 23rd will have severely limited refund amounts as funds are invested in the trip and your activities, room, and board reservations have been settled. If you must cancel after March 23rd we recommend you find someone to fill your spot.

Program Qualifications, Accreditation & Receiving Credit

Is this an accredited program?

This program was originally developed when our Executive Director, Michael Lane, taught in the public school system (Reed-Custer High School) in Illinois and received a North Central accreditation. As the program is no longer being run under an educational institution and to keep the trip affordable, Evidence 4 Faith has not sought any accreditation.

What standards are used to develop and teach the curriculum?

The program currently uses the Wisconsin Standards for Science (WSS).

What are the certifications/qualifications of teaching staff?

The Executive Director, Michael Lane, is the primary instructor and program manager. He is the only licensed instructor and has kept his teaching credentials up to date. There are 4-5 assistant teachers whose qualifications include B.S. or M.A. in biological sciences and/or additional extensive training under our primary licensed instructor Michael Lane over several years. Assistant teachers each have a student assistant to help in various capacities such as maintaining the research area and helping students get prepared for the next activity. Student assistants do not teach. Student assistants are students from a previous class who have received an A in the course and are invited back as a staff member.

How can I get credit from my institution for this program?

Credit is not standardized since the program is no longer accredited. A transcript is issued at successful completion of the course and is mailed to the school the student attends. Credit can be achieved through the Guidance Department of a public school where, most often, a Carnegie Unit can be obtained. Because this program involves over 100+ hours of on-task time and reading, most schools have little difficulty in allowing the student who successfully completes the course to obtain a semester’s credit in advanced biological science. On rare occasions, some public schools have counted this course as a full year course of credit. Research students (second year) can typically also obtain a Carnegie unit from their school upon successful completion.

Some college students have obtained college credit through their college or university, the nature of which is determined by the registrar of said school. Credits achieved this way usually range from 4-5 hours of credit as an elective. One some occasions, universities have offered 7-10 hours of credit in the field of education for students who serve as Student Teachers. They prepare lessons plans, lecture, and keep a journal as required by the Education Department of the said school they attend. Please contact our Executive Director Michael Lane at michael@evidence4faith.org if you are looking for student teaching experience.

Some schools have refused to offer credit due to the religious nature of Evidence 4 Faith. In this case we suggest that the transcript still be placed in the student file for evidence of attending an extracurricular academic program. Colleges and Universities will be able to see this in the student’s file, and it can have an impact scholarship considerations and honors.

How can a homeschool student get credit for this program?

The mode of credit depends on the administrator of the homeschool setting but it is easily achieved. A transcript is issued at successful completion of the course and is mailed to the homeschool administrator (in most cases this would likely be a parent). Transcripts are usually counted as a semester credit in biological sciences. It should be noted that this program is a lab-oriented program. Thus, for homeschool students, this course can count as a lab credit. It is not unusual for some homeschool administrators to apply for a Carnegie Unit as well. Homeschool administrators are responsible for documenting the credit for graduation.

Advertising in your community

How can advertise this trip in my homeschool network, school, or local community?

You can share this program page digitally through and email list or contact our Creative Director Charlotte at charlotte@evidence4faith.org to receive flyers to distribute and hang up.

2023 Registration is closed

We are no longer accepting applications for the 2023 course. You can sign up to the email list to get notified when registration for the 2024 trip opens (select the Marine Biology Waitlist from the options provided).

Become a Trip Sponsor

The Marine Biology trip has been around for about 30 years with Michael and Denise Lane not only using it as an opportunity to get students into Marine Biology, but also connect with their Creator and find faith in Jesus Christ. In 2023 we expect our expenses to increase 50%. In order to keep fees low for students we are looking to raise $10,000 to continue this ministry. There are three levels of sponsorships with different rewards:

  • Gold Sponsor: $1,000
    • Special mentions on our podcast, website, and social media
    • Name/business printed on our group t-shirts
    • Name/business printed in our handbook
  • Silver Sponsor: $500
    • Special mentions on our social media
    • Name/business printed on our group t-shirts
    • Name/business printed in our handbook
  • Bronze Sponsor: $100
    • Name/business printed in our handbook

Individuals and businesses who are interested in becoming sponsors should contact Denise Lane at denise@evidence4faith.org.