Lifelong Learning at Mote
Endless Oceans: Marine Science 101 (Virtual)
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. Each class will also feature experts discussing their research related to the daily topic. Learning is a lifelong endeavor, continue your journey with Mote Marine Laboratory.
The classes for Fall 2020 of Endless Oceans: Marine Science 101 are all online. This interactive and engaging course will be held via Zoom Meetings. Your registration email will contain the Meeting link and password, please hold onto that email so you can reference it on your class date. If you have questions about this format or are new to Zoom, please review our Tech Check.
Full Semester (10 Classes)
- $225 for members & volunteers, $275 for non-members
- Mote Certificate of Completion for Marine Science 101
- Endless Oceans: Mote Lifelong Learning collectible pin
One Class
- $30 for members & volunteers, $35 for non-members
Dates: Thursdays, September 3 - November 5
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. (virtual)
Course Details
Intro to Marine Science - September 3, 2020 (full-time students only)
This class is 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 terminology that will be seen throughout the course. Students will be presented with a research assignment that they can work on throughout the semester and present at the final class. Key topics: Introduction to the course, Salinity, Density and other common marine science terms
Florida Coastal Habitats - September 10, 2020
In this class 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
Florida’s Marine Invertebrates - September 17, 2020
This lesson will discuss local marine invertebrates and their ecological importance, as these spectacular, spineless creatures of the sea make up 90% of all described species. We will meet with a Mote Biologist specializing in marine invertebrates and learn what it takes to care for the strangest animals in the aquarium! Key topics: Food Webs, Echinoderms, Cnidarians, Mollusks, Gastropods, and Crustaceans
Sea Turtle Ecology - September 24, 2020
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
Florida Marine Mammals - October 1, 2020
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
Florida Sharks & Rays - October 8, 2020
In this class 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
Florida Fish Ecology - October 15, 2020
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
Red Tide & Environmental Health - October 22, 2020
In this class 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.
Coral Reefs & Ocean Acidification - October 29, 2020
Welcome to the wonderful world of corals. In this class 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
Project Share Outs, Wrap Up - November 5, 2020 (full-time students only)
We will use this final class to review the highlights of the semester, share out research projects, answer any final questions and complete course evaluations.
Email endlessoceans@mote.org with any questions.
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.
