Florida Program Final Report 2020
This year, 6 students from Sagano High School traveled to Florida in January. After returning to Japan, they began to formulate their ideas for a presentation on what they experienced, what they learned, and what ideas they wished they could see used here in Japan and in Kyoto. Here is a description of the full Florida exchange program for 2020.

From January 4th - 16th, 6 second-year students from Sagano High School participated in an intensive study trip to Jupiter, Florida in the United States of America. 

Before leaving, the students met with the principal where he asked them to learn as much as possible and asked them to investigate many research questions.

January 4th and 5th
On January 4th the students were picked up by their homestay families at the airport. It was a happy greeting and everyone was excited to start the study program. On the 5th the students enjoyed a free day with their homestay families. 

January 6th
On Monday the students went to the Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens where they gave presentations to the staff and docents about Japanese holidays and taught them about Japanese culture. Then they went on a tour of the Japanese gardens and enjoyed learning about how American people appreciate Japanese culture. 

January 7th
The next day they went to Jupiter High School where they first had a tour of the campus and met all of the teachers they would be working with for the next two weeks. They had lunch with the principal and teachers. Finally they enjoyed a lecture from Ms. Jennifer Smith, an Environmental Specialist who works for Ecological Associates, Inc. The students learned how scientists at companies help to protect wildlife while also helping communities and companies to do business. 

Ms. Smith from Ecological Associates

January 8th and 9th
On the 8th the students met scientists from the Department of Natural Resources and the Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Palm Beach County and Florida. The scientists told them all about their work and how everything connects back to natural resources and protecting the environment.
In the afternoon the students went to classes at Jupiter High School's Jupiter Environmental Research and Field Studies Academy where they taught the students about Japan's natural environment and about Japanese holidays.
On the 9th the students attended classes at Jupiter High School with partner students. They attended classes for the day and saw how the American school system works. They had a fun time being like real American high school students!

January 10th-12th
On Friday the students traveled toEverglades National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage and Biosphere Reserve Site, to study the native Florida ecosystems and how they are being affected by humans. 
On the 11th and 12th the students enjoyed their time with their homestay families, visiting various places and living every-day American life.