Surprising facts about how oysters build underwater cities, clean our water and help protect our shoreline!

You can find an illustrated version of this story on the Sparks Creative Stories YouTube channel.

Inspired by the work of marine scientist Olivia Blondheim of the University of South Florida College of Marine Science and creative summer campers at DeSoto Park Recreation Center in Tampa FL.

written and produced by Sheila Cowley

performed by Vickie Daignault and Fanni Green

with many thanks to Tampa Parks and Recreation

made possible thanks to the City of Tampa Department of Arts & Cultural Affairs

Feature image by Jalen

#steameducation

#scienceisreal

#marinescience

Astonishing, amazing algae! From microscopic plankton to 200' long seaweed, algae created oxygen on Earth and terraformed our planet by evolving into plants and trees. Everybody eats algae – or eats someone who does. . .

A fun story of surprising algae facts and uses, from algae airplane fuel and sneakers to camouflaging tree sloths and keeping baby otters from drifting out to sea. Algae are vital and amazing – and can help fix the climate crisis!

You can find an illustrated version of this story with amazing visuals on the Sparks Creative Stories YouTube channel!

Many thanks to the University of South Florida College of Marine Science, the USF Optical Oceanography Lab, The Oceanography Camp Especially For Girls and Creative Clay St. Pete

Feature image – Clown of Essential Forest in Seas by Ashton T.

#steameducation

#marineeducation

#scienceisamazing

A girl who's struggling to learn the alphabet visits Paige the Literacy Bus and overcomes her fears as she explores words and letters through play. A celebration of Paige the Literacy Bus, the creative early learning project of Hillsborough County Public Schools in Tampa Bay and the amazing teacher Tara Tallon-Stone.

A celebration of reading, the alphabet and public education – with creative ideas for struggling readers and for kids of all abilities. A story with hope for everyone learning to read, and so many thanks to caring teachers.

You can find an illustrated version of this story on the Sparks Creative Stories YouTube channel, with wonderful photos of Paige the Literacy Bus!

a Sparks Creative Stories project

written and produced by Sheila Cowley

performed by Beth Gelman, Bob Devin Jones, Phyllis McEwen and JL Rey

directed by David Warner

inspired by Tara Tallon-Stone and Paige the Literacy Bus

on Instagram @HCPSPaigetheLiteracyBus

#earlyliteracy

#publiceducation

#learningtoread