Classroom Outreach Programs (Florida Keys) | Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Register for one of our engaging classroom programs and bring Mote’s world-renowned science & research to your classroom! All lessons are developed to align with Sunshine State Standards and STEM requirements. All programs are available in-person or virtually via Zoom.

Program Details:

45-60 minute sessions
Each program includes a presentation and one or more hands-on activities
Maximum of 30 students/program, 5 programs/day
$100 for the first program, $25 for each additional program on the same day

Important Notes:

Our mission is to present a fun & engaging educational program for your students. To facilitate that, we ask that you please provide adequate staffing for group management and supervision.
Mote Marine Laboratory staff members may not be left alone with students at any time.
To ensure programs are most relevant and enjoyable, we ask that participants are grouped by similar age/grade whenever possible.

Programs

Introduction to Corals (K-2)

What are corals? How do they survive? Why are they so important? Students will develop a basic understanding of corals, how they function and why we want to protect them. They will use this knowledge to build their very own coral polyp using craft materials provided by Mote.

Standards:

SC.K.L.14.3: Observe plants and animals, describe how they are alike and how they are different in the way they look and in the things they do.
SC.K.N.1.4: Observe and create a visual representation of an object which includes its major features.
SC.1.L.17.1: Through observation, recognize that all plants and animals, including humans, need the basic necessities of air, water, food, and space.
SC.2.L.17.2: Recognize and explain that living things are found all over Earth, but each is only able to live in habitats that meet its basic needs.

Become a Scientist (K-2)

In this hands-on lesson students put their scientific skill set to the test in order to find out who the mystery animal might be!

Standards:

SC.K.L.14.3- Observe plants and animals, describe how they are alike and how they are different in the way they look and in the things they do
SC.K.N.1.3- Keep records as appropriate of investigations conducted
SC.K.N.1.1: Collaborate with a partner to collect information.
SC.1.E.5.3- Investigate how magnifiers make things appear bigger and help people see things they could not see without them
SC.1.L.14.1- Make observations of living things and their environment using the 5 senses
SC.2.N.1.1- Compare observations made by different groups using the same tools
SC.2.L.17.2- Recognize and explain that living things are found all over Earth, but each is only able to live in the habitats that meet its basic needs

Amazing Adaptations (3-5)

Students learn about how animals’ adaptations help them survive in their habitats, specifically those who live at the reef! This lesson includes a STEM activity where students design their own sea creature perfectly adapted to live in their environment!

Standards:

SC.K.L.14.3: Observe plants and animals, describe how they are alike and how they are different in the way they look and in the things they do.
SC.1.L.17.1: Through observation, recognize that all plants and animals, including humans, need the basic necessities of air, water, food, and space.
SC.2.L.17.2: Recognize and explain that living things are found all over Earth, but each is only able to live in habitats that meet its basic needs.
SC.3.L.17.1: Describe how animals and plants respond to changing seasons.
SC.4.L.16.3: Recognize that animal behaviors may be shaped by heredity and learning.
SC.5.L.15.1: Describe how, when the environment changes, differences between individuals allow some plants and animals to survive and reproduce while others die or move to new locations.
SC.5.L.17.1: Compare and contrast adaptations displayed by animals and plants that enable them to survive in different environments such as life cycle variations, animal behaviors and physical characteristics.

Shapes, Sizes & Storms (3-5)

Did you know that coral reefs can break down wave energy by about 97%?! In this lesson we will explore different coral morphologies and how they play a role in protecting our shorelines from destructive hurricanes.

Standards:

SC.3.N.3.2: Recognize that scientists use models to help understand and explain how things work.
SC.3.P.10.2 & SC.4.P.10.2: Recognize that energy has the ability to cause motion or create change.
SC.5.E.7.7: Design a family preparedness plan for natural disasters and identify the reasons for having such a plan.
SC.6.E.6.1: Describe how Earth’s surface is built up and torn down by physical & chemical weathering, erosion & deposition
SC.6.E.7.7: Investigate how natural disasters have affected life in Florida.
SC.6.E.7.8: Describe ways humans protect themselves from hazardous weather & sun exposure.

Mangroovin' with Mote (3-5)

Coral reefs are not the only marine ecosystem that makes the Florida Keys so special! Explore how mangroves, seagrass beds and other coastal ecosystems work together to protect us and the amazing wildlife that live here.

Standards:

SC.3.L.14.1: Describe structures in plants and their roles in food production, support, water and nutrient transport, and reproduction.
SC.3.L.17.2: Recognize that plants use energy from the Sun, air, and water to make their own food.
SC.4.L.17.4: Recognize ways plants and animals, including humans, can impact the environment.
SC.5.L.17.1: Compare and contrast adaptations displayed by animals and plants that enable them to survive in different environments such as life cycle variations, animal behaviors and physical characteristics.
SC.5.E.7.7: Design a family preparedness plan for natural disasters and identify the reasons for having such a plan.

Identification Investigation (3-8)

What makes up a coral reef? Students will be able to identify common coral, fish, mammal and reptile species found in their own backyard.. The Florida Reef Tract!

Standards:

SC.3.L.15.1: Classify animals into major groups (mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish, arthropods, vertebrates and invertebrates, those having live births and those which lay eggs) according to their physical characteristics and behaviors.
SC.4.L.17.2: Explain that animals, including humans, cannot make their own food and that when animals eat plants or other animals, the energy stored in the food source is passed to them.
SC.5.L.17.1: Compare and contrast adaptations displayed by animals and plants that enable them to survive in different environments such as life cycle variations, animal behaviors and physical characteristics.
SC.6.L.15.1: Analyze and describe how and why organisms are classified according to shared characteristics with emphasis on the Linnaean system combined with the concept of Domains.
SC.7.L.15.2: Explore the scientific theory of evolution by recognizing and explaining ways in which genetic variation and environmental factors contribute to evolution by natural selection and diversity of organisms.

Snails, Crabs & Urchins—OH MY! (3-12)

What are algal grazers and how do they help our coral reefs? Learn about the importance of algal grazers on our coral reefs and the role they play in coral reef restoration efforts at Mote!

Standards:

SC.3.L.17.2: Recognize that plants use energy from the Sun, air, and water to make their own food.
SC.4.L.17.4: Recognize ways plants and animals, including humans, can impact the environment.
SC.5.L.17.1: Compare and contrast adaptations displayed by animals and plants that enable them to survive in different environments such as life cycle variations, animal behaviors and physical characteristics.
SC.6.N.1.5: Recognize that science involves creativity, not just in designing experiments, but also in creating explanations that fit evidence.
SC.7.L.15.3: Explore the scientific theory of evolution by relating how the inability of a species to adapt within a changing environment may contribute to the extinction of that species.
SC.912.17.4: Describe changes in ecosystems resulting from seasonal variations, climate change and succession.
SC.912.L.17.17: Assess the effectiveness of innovative methods of protecting the environment.

Reef Relationships (3-8)

Coral reefs are one of the most diverse ecosystems on our planet. How do all of these organisms live together in harmony? What kinds of relationships do we find on the reef? Students will explore symbiotic relationships and learn about the important jobs that each organism plays.

Standards:

SC.3.N.1.6: Infer based on observation.
SC.4.L.16.3: Recognize that animal behaviors may be shaped by heredity and learning.
SC.5.L.17.1: Compare and contrast adaptations displayed by animals and plants that enable them to survive in different environments such as life cycle variations, animal behaviors and physical characteristics.
SC.6.L.15.1: Analyze and describe how and why organisms are classified according to shared characteristics with emphasis on the Linnaean system combined with the concept of Domains.
SC.7.L.17.2: Compare and contrast the relationships among organisms such as mutualism, predation, parasitism, competition, and commensalism.
SC.8.L.18.1: Describe and investigate the process of photosynthesis, such as the roles of light, carbon dioxide, water and chlorophyll; production of food; release of oxygen.

Reef Restoration (6-12)

Explore the different ways in which scientists at Mote are growing, caring for and outplanting coral onto the Florida Reef Tract. Students will gain hands-on experience practicing restoration techniques.

Standards:

SC.6.N.1.5: Recognize that science involves creativity, not just in designing experiments, but also in creating explanations that fit evidence.
SC.7.L.15.3: Explore the scientific theory of evolution by relating how the inability of a species to adapt within a changing environment may contribute to the extinction of that species.
SC.7.L.16.4: Recognize and explore the impact of biotechnology (cloning, genetic engineering, artificial selection) on the individual, society and the environment.
SC.8.N.3.1: Select models useful in relating the results of their own investigations.
SC.912.N.1.7: Recognize the role of creativity in constructing scientific questions, methods and explanations.
SC.912.E.6.6: Analyze past, present, and potential future consequences to the environment resulting from various energy production technologies.
SC.912.L.17.17: Assess the effectiveness of innovative methods of protecting the environment.

Corals & Climate Change (6-12)

Most of us know about how climate change is warming our planet.. But have you heard of climate change’s evil twin?! Students will learn about how the ocean and corals are affected by climate change, including global warming and ocean acidification.

Standards:

SC.6.E.7.4: Differentiate and show interactions among the geosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere.
SC.6.E.7.5: Explain how energy provided by the sun influences global patterns of atmospheric movement and the temperature differences between air, water, and land.
SC.7.E.6.6: Identify the impact that humans have had on Earth, such as deforestation, urbanization, desertification, erosion, air and water quality, changing the flow of water.
SC.7.L.15.3: Explore the scientific theory of evolution by relating how the inability of a species to adapt within a changing environment may contribute to the extinction of that species.
SC.8.N.1.3: Use phrases such as “results support” or “fail to support” in science, understanding that science does not offer conclusive ‘proof’ of a knowledge claim.
SC.8.N.4.2: Explain how political, social, and economic concerns can affect science, and vice versa.
CTE-TECED.68.CONTEC.03.07: Research renewable fuels and energy.
SC.8.P.8.8: Identify basic examples of and compare and classify the properties of compounds, including acids, bases, and salts.
SC.8.P.9.3: Investigate and describe how temperature influences chemical changes.
SC.912.N.4.1: Explain how scientific knowledge and reasoning provide an empirically-based perspective to inform society’s decision making.
SC.912.E.6.6: Analyze past, present, and potential future consequences to the environment resulting from various energy production technologies.
SC.912.E.7.3: Differentiate and describe the various interactions among Earth systems, including: atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, geosphere, and biosphere.
SC.912.E.7.9: Cite evidence that the ocean has had a significant influence on climate change by absorbing, storing, and moving heat, carbon, and water.

Coral Health & Disease (6-12)

Corals get stressed and sick just like humans! Students will recognize common diseases affecting the Florida Reef tract, what scientists are doing to prevent them from spreading, and more during this interactive lesson.

Standards:

SC.6.N.1.2: Explain why scientific investigations should be replicable.
SC.7.L.16.4: Recognize and explore the impact of biotechnology (cloning, genetic engineering, artificial selection) on the individual, society and the environment.
SC.8.N.1.4: Explain how hypotheses are valuable if they lead to further investigations, even if they turn out not to be supported by the data.
SC.912.N.1.6: Describe how scientific inferences are drawn from scientific observations and provide examples from the content being studied.
SC.912.N.1.7: Recognize the role of creativity in constructing scientific questions, methods and explanations.
SC.912.L.17.17: Assess the effectiveness of innovative methods of protecting the environment.

Invasive Species (9-12)

Down here in the Keys we know all about invasive species. (Looking at you, iguanas!) Students will be able to identify introduced vs invasive species and take a closer look at those affecting our coral reef ecosystem. This lesson includes an interactive lionfish dissection as part of a larger citizen science project.

Standards:

SC.912.L.17.17: Assess the effectiveness of innovative methods of protecting the environment.
SC.912.L.15.13: Describe the conditions required for natural selection, including: overproduction of offspring, inherited variation, and the struggle to survive, which result in differential reproductive success.

Reef Reproduction (9-12)

We cannot restore the reef by ourselves.. We need a little help from the corals themselves! Learn about how corals are able to reproduce and how scientists at Mote are speeding up the process of them becoming sexually mature.

Standards:

SC.912.L.14.6: Explain the significance of genetic factors, environmental factors, and pathogenic agents to health from the perspectives of both individual and public health.
SC.912.L.15.3: Describe how biological diversity is increased by the origin of new species and how it is decreased by the natural process of extinction.
SC.912.L.15.15: Describe how mutation and genetic recombination increase genetic variation.

Don't see the topic you're looking for? No worries! Our team can design a special program for your classroom. Please contact keyseducation@mote.org for more information or submit a form.

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