Lifelong Learning at Mote
Marine Science 101
Curious about our oceans? Interested in expanding your knowledge while also expanding your network? We welcome you to explore the world of marine science through this engaging series of lessons and hands-on experiences hosted by Mote education professionals. Classes will also feature Mote experts discussing their research related to that day’s topic and active learning excursions around Mote. Learning is a lifelong endeavor, continue your journey with Mote Marine Laboratory.
Ages: Adult participants, 18 years or older
Times: Mondays, 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. with optional Coffee Connections)
Optional Activities:
- Coffee Connections: 8:30-9:00am. Come mingle with peers over complimentary morning coffee to discuss the assigned course readings, like interests and engage with your instructors!
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Community Engagement Project: This optional assignment is for students who are interested in diving further into the world of marine science. The proejct will be introduced on the first day of class and participants will present their projects by the end of the ten week course. (Full-time Endless Oceans Participants Only)
Registration: FULL SEMESTER AND SINGLE COURSE REGISTRATION OPEN NOW!
NOTE: For single-class registration, please click the link below the class description.
Cost:
- One class
- $30 members
- $35 non-members
- Full Semester (10 classes)
- $225 for members
- $275 for non-members
Contact: Email endlessoceans@mote.org
February 4, 2019: Introduction to Marine Science 101 (Full semester students ONLY)
Description: This class is only for students registering for the full semester of Marine Science 101. Here we will introduce you to the format of the Endless Oceans: Lifelong Learning. We will also discuss key marine science concepts and terminology that will be seen throughout the course. Full-time students will also be offered the opportunity to engage in a self-driven research project throughout the semester and present their work after the final class. PLEASE NOTE: This class is only open to those registered for the entire semester.
Key topics: Introduction to the course, Salinity, Density and other common marine science terms
February 11, 2019: Florida Coastal Habitats
Description: Here we explore Florida’s coastal wetland and marine habitats, as well as their function and importance in the ecosystem. We will discuss local environmental challenges our watersheds face as well as research that Mote is doing to understand these complex systems.
Key topics: Florida Watersheds, the Water Cycle, Tides, Hardening Coastlines, Urban runoff
Per-Class Registation: Space is limited! Register here.
February 25, 2019: Florida Marine Invertebrates
Description: This lesson will discuss local marine invertebrates and their ecological importance. We will meet speak with an expert specializing in marine invertebrates and conduct a squid dissection during our Active Learning segment!
Key topics: Food Webs, Echinoderms, Cnidarians, Mollusks, Gastropods, and Crustaceans
Per-Class Registation: Space is limited! Register here.
March 4, 2019: Sea Turtle Ecology
Description: Students will learn basic sea turtle ecology and the 5 primary species found in Florida. We will discuss the largest threats sea turtles currently face in our area and what Mote is doing to help these amazing creatures recover.
Key topics: Sea turtle physiology, Species identification, Threats to sea turtles, Current sea turtle conservation efforts and Mote research
Per-Class Registration: Space is limited! Register here.
March 11, 2019: Florida Marine Mammals
Description: This lesson will discuss local marine mammal species with a heavy focus on dolphins and manatees. Students will learn basic marine mammal physiology, diet, ecological role and current conservation status. We will also discuss the Sarasota Dolphin Research program and Mote’s Strandings Investigation Program.
Key Topics: Bottlenose dolphins, Florida Manatees, Threats to Marine Mammals, Conservation efforts
Per-Class Registation: Space is limited! Register here.
March 18, 2019: Florida Sharks and Rays
Description: Here we explore elasmobranch anatomy and ecology, focusing on local shark and ray species. We will discuss their ecological importance, diet, conservation status, current threats and current Mote research.
Key topics: Florida Elasmobranch species, Elasmobranch physiology, Shark conservation, Trophic levels
Per-Class Registration: Space is limited! Register here.
March 25, 2019: Florida Fish Ecology
Description: Students will be introduced to marine bony fish ecology, with a focus on life cycle and ecological importance. We will discuss the current status of local and global fisheries and Mote’s relevant research on this topic.
Key topics: Bony fish physiology, Fish life cycle, Florida fisheries, Overfishing
Per-Class Registration: Space is limited! Register here.
April 1, 2019: Red Tide and Environmental Health
Description: Here we will break down the science behind red tide and
phytoplankton. We will discuss environmental health in the area and identify local concerns that Mote is currently researching, such as pesticide impact on marine environments and local runoff pollution.
Key topics: Phytoplankton, Red tide, Bioaccumulation, Biomagnification, Water pollution, Urban runoff and the Water cycle
Per-Class Registration: Space is limited! Register here.
April 8, 2019: Coral Reefs and Ocean Acidification
Description: Welcome to the wonderful world of corals. Here we introduce coral ecology and their important role in the environment. We will discuss the changes researchers are observing in corals around the world and the causes behind them. This lesson will feature Mote’s research with coral resilience and restoration efforts in the Florida Keys.
Key topics: Coral ecology, Ocean Acidification, Coral Bleaching, Status of coral reefs around the world, Climate Change
Per-Class Registration: Space is limited! Register here.
April 15, 2019: Field Explorations (Full semester students ONLY)
Description: In this final class we will put everything we have learned into action and get out in the field! Using various field sampling techniques, we will will explore some of the native flora and fauna of the estuaries surrounding City Island and do some water testing experiments.
Key topics: Field Sampling, Bay Ecosystem
Cancellation Policy
There are no refunds for Mote Education programs unless Mote cancels the program. For single class registrants: If you provide notice of cancellation 2 weeks prior to your class, we will credit your payment to a future program. For full semester registrants: If you provide notice of cancellation 2 weeks prior to the first class of the semester AND we are able to fill your spot, we will credit your payment to a future program. If you cancel within 2 weeks of the program or fail to show up without giving notice, you will be charged in full for the program. Full-time participants are granted 1 excused absence from the 10 week course but will not be refunded for any missed classes
