Anna Maria Elementary School takes its science seriously. They offer students extensive, hands-on science lessons that often incorporates members of the community. There is no shortage of community organizations and volunteers on Anna Maria Island to show young students the size of a loggerhead sea turtle shell or how to look for shorebirds through binoculars.

These photos were taken during the 2013-14 school year at Anna Maria Elementary.

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Anna Maria Elementary School second-graders look at sea turtle skeletons.

Anna Maria Elementary School second-graders look at a sea turtle nest diorama.

Anna Maria Elementary third-graders in Laura Redeker’s class watch seabirds Jan. 23. Bird-watching on the beach is part of the Audubon Adventures curriculum provided by the Manatee County Audubon Society.

Fourth-grader Cole Pearson assists Dr. Frost of the MOSI STEAM punks during a demonstration on fire and fuel. Cole filled a large bottle with “fuel” and Dr. Frost lit it on fire, creating an explosion inside the tube.

Birdwatcher John Ginaven leads students on a bird-watching expedition Jan. 23. Students were provided binoculars from a Sarasota Bay Estuary Program grant and guided in bird-watching techniques Jan. 23.

Laura Redeker’s third-grade class approaches the beach access near Anna Maria Elementary School, where John Ginaven explains the importance of sea oats.

Dr. Frost demonstrates a fire tornado with the assistance of fourth-grader Cole Pearson during the MOSI STEAM punks fire and ice show.

Children attending Anna Maria Elementary School’s first science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) night view fiddler crabs.

Anna Maria Elementary School students look at a map above donations bound for the Philippines.