Our Educators are trained in Florida state standards and they're experts at getting kids excited about science. Register for one of our virtual learning or outreach programs and bring science from the real world into your classroom. Teachers can also "check out" a special, free science kit from Mote that will give you tools you need to help boost your own curriculum (reservations required; see below).
Virtual Learning Programs
Bring Mote's research, animals, and exhibits to your learners using affordable, easy-to-use distance learning technology. Dive into our aquarium and chat with a shark trainer or explore the Florida Keys and make observations like a real scientist.
Mote SEA Trek offers many STEM-ulating lessons to choose from! Learn more about our virtual offerings and request your program here.
Outreach Programs
Mote Educators bring fun, inquiry-based and hands-on learning experiences to your school. Using relevant, real time data and information, we dive into marine science with your students, helping them better understand science concepts and ideas. From classroom to auditorium programs and with flexible times to work around your class periods, Mote Education has an outreach to fit your needs. Book yours today!
- Our mission is to present a fun & engaging educational program for your students. To facilitate this, we ask that you please provide adequate staffing for group management and supervision.
- Mote staff members may not be left alone with students at any time.
- To ensure programs are the most relevant and enjoyable, we ask that students are grouped by similar age/grade whenever possible.
Fee: Classroom & Auditorium Programs are $150 for first program + $50 each additional program (for the SAME theme/subject) on the same day
- Additional programs with a different theme/topic are charged $150 each.
- Mileage is not included in the above fee and is billed to your organization at the current federal rate per mile round trip from Mote to your location. Please see your invoice for rate and details.
CLASSROOM PROGRAMS
Mote’s classroom programs include an engaging and interactive lesson with an activity led by a Mote educator. This program is ideal for smaller groups for a more in-depth lesson. Program topics are available for a wide range of grades, program content will align with student grade level. Programs are 30-45 minutes long.
Max 25 students/program, 5 programs per day
Sense-ational Sharks (Preschool)
What makes a shark a shark? Compare your senses and body parts to those of sharks as your educator uses props to slowly transform into a very silly but well-adapted shark!
Turtle Tales (Preschool)
It’s an immersive turtle adventure! Through storytime, hands-on biofact exploration, an interactive turtle-themed song, and an optional live animal meet and greet, children will discover the unique lives of sea turtles, terrapins, and box turtles and the habitats in which they live.
Wonderful Whiskers & Dancing Dolphins (Preschool)
Dive into the marvelous world of our local marine mammals, as you learn to search for food like a manatee, communicate like a dolphin, and understand our connection to the wonders beneath the waves.
The Truth In The Tooth (Graders K - 5)
Would you open an orange with a chainsaw? Of course not! Shark teeth are specialized tools specific to their prey. Learn about different kinds of teeth, Mote’s shark and ray research, and see if you can match the tooth with its prey!
The Great Reef Race (Grades 2 - 5)
What are coral reefs and why are they important? What are some of the biggest threats to our planet’s coral reefs? Learn about Mote’s coral research and restoration programs and participate in a hands-on ocean acidification lab.
Spineless Sea (Grades 6 - 8)
Students will explore marine taxonomy and various characteristics of invertebrates to learn what it takes to survive in the sea without a backbone. To apply their newfound knowledge, students will learn proper dissection techniques investigating squid in small groups.
Researching Red Tide (Grades 6 - 12)
You’ve probably seen and smelled its effects, but what is red tide and what is being done about it? Learn the facts about this notorious algal bloom & Mote’s current research and see if you can find the best solution with our Red Tide mitigation lab.
Mammal Mysteries (Grades 6 - 12)
Learn about Sarasota’s dolphins and manatees, and Mote’s role in responding to animal emergencies. Study the evidence to see if you can solve actual cases from Mote’s Stranding Investigation Team.
AUDITORIUM PROGRAMS
Auditorium programs include a dynamic and interactive presentation led by a Mote Educator. This type of program is ideal for large groups and requires a large space such as a gym or cafeteria and a wall. AV equipment (projector, screen, microphone, speaker) can be provided if your school does not have these items available. Programs are 45-60 minutes in length.
Max 200 students/program, 3 programs per day
Totally Turtles (Grades K - 2)
How many kinds of sea turtles are there? How long do sea turtles really live? Learn the answers to these questions and more, see real turtle biofacts and see if you can survive our Hatchling Hazards Obstacle Course!
Ocean Superheroes (Grades 3 - 5)
Did you know ocean creatures had super powers? Compare some of the most famous superheroes to their ocean-counterparts and discover their amazing super adaptations! Create a new species of super-adapted sea creature with our hilarious props bin!
Shark Mythbusters (Grades 6 - 8)
Discover the truth about these often misunderstood creatures and learn about Mote’s current shark research. Play our World’s Deadliest Trivia and see how much you really know about our favorite finned friends.
Marine Careers (Grades 9 - 12)
From scientist to photographer & boat captain to educator, explore a variety of careers found at Mote Marine Laboratory and learn what it takes to start a career in the marine science field.
Don’t see a program that fits your needs or have questions? Please reach out to educate@mote.org or 941.388.4441 x229.
Funding for Sarasota County schools kindly provided through EdExplore SRQ.
Classroom Kits
Mote's Classroom Kits are free, educational resources designed to bring Mote into your classroom. There are 8 interactive kits to choose from to teach students about a variety of marine science topics, while highlighting Mote's research around the globe. The Kits will provide all materials for engaging hands-on activities and are available for checkout by reservation. Dive in deeper with our virtual resources including Google Slides presentations and digital copies of supplemental materials. Descriptions of each kit are provided in the request form below.
Kits are available for checkout for up to 3 weeks at a time. Please allow 3-5 business days to be contacted by a Mote educator for your reservation confirmation. Kits will be checked out on a first come, first served basis and are subject to availability.
Cost: Free
Questions: Call 941-388-4441 ext 351 or email educate@mote.org
