CLMS AquaCulture

Aquaculture is a multi-disciplinary elective offered at CLMS. During the course of the year, students work in a classroom and production setting while learning practical science skills and applying them to the production of both marine and freshwater fish, plankton, aquatic plants and terrestrial herbs. Students will be exposed to:

  • Anatomy
  • Cell Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Environmental Science
  • Genetics
  • Hydroponics
  • Life History
  • Mathematics
  • Physiology

Aquaculture is still a growing program and in 2015 we opened our saltwater facility which we will utilize in the production of various species of clownfish as well as gobies and other ornamental marine fishes. Our freshwater facility is utilized to produce various freshwater ornamental species as well as baitfish and tilapia. We also have an aquaponics and aquatic plant building where we grow sweet mint to supply area restaurants and aquatic plants for the aquarium trade. We work directly with fish and plant producers in the area to produce products that go to market.

Students are responsible for the day-to-day monitoring, maintenance and care of the facility and the animals in our care.

Bioretention Cells

The first stage of construction is now complete on the Bioretention cells that were built to treat the aquaculture wastewater that they discharge. The design for the two cells was provided by the University of South Florida Engineers Without Borders Organization. These cells will allow CLMS Aquaculture not only to remove nutrients from the water we discharge before it returns to the aquifer but to be able to measure the amount of nutrients that are being removed by the plants and microbes in the cells. Two cells have been constructed, one to treat the discharge water from the freshwater facility and one to treat the discharge water from the saltwater facility. We are also planting the cells with native Florida plants. We greatly appreciate Bok Tower Gardens and the University of Florida for giving us the grant to construct these cells

CASE Academy

Students will have the opportunity to follow a science or engineering  academic path. Students graduating from Crystal Academy will be prepared for the following high school programs:

  • Project Lead the Way
  • International Baccalaureate
  • Informational Technology
District Magnet & Choice Information

Our emphasis on core curriculum at Crystal Academy of Science and Engineering enables students to meet and exceed state and national standards while providing students with a fundamental education in the following subject areas:

  • Math
  • Science
  • Language Arts
  • Social Studies
  • Foreign Language
  • Spanish I and II

Required Science and Engineering Electives

Students will decide a path in science or engineering. They may choose from the following electives:

  • Science
  • Marine Science
  • AquaCulture
  • AgriScience
  • Hydroponics
  • Engineering
  • Robotics – Project Lead the Way
  • Information Technology
  • AutoCAD

Other Electives

  • Art
  • Band
  • Orchestra
  • Chorus
  • Video Production
  • Yearbook
  • Physical Education

STEAM Academy

Crystal Lake Middle School is proud of our STEAM academy which began in the 2010-2011 school year. Students are selected to become a part of a science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and fine arts academy to enhance their academic learning with rigorous instruction, preparing them for higher learning. STEAM academy growth has been steady and future growth is highly anticipated for this great program. Students, who are enrolled through 8th grade, enjoy
project-based learning while earning up to five high school academic credits
plus two foreign language credits in Mandarin Chinese. We are proud of
our students in the STEAM Academy and look forward to seeing great test
scores reflective of all their hard work!