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High School Programs

Mote’s Learning Labs

Mote’s Learning Labs are a series of virtual, interactive college and career preparatory labs that will provide students the opportunity to develop and hone professional skills for future STEM careers. Participants will gain basic knowledge in marine science concepts and experience in lab/field work. Additionally, marine science professionals will introduce participants to a variety of career opportunities and conduct career explorations. The intention of this program is to offer participants a head start toward their future goals in STEM and advance the next generation of STEM professionals.

Learning Labs take place monthly on Mondays from 4:00 to 6:00PM, via a secure Zoom Meeting connection. Pre-registration is required. NEW dates listed below!

Spring Semester

Marine Science 101 - February 22, 2021
Interested in marine science and want to learn more about potential jobs? Get your feet wet with an introduction to the field of marine science and the career opportunities it offers. During this Virtual Learning Lab, participants will explore the variety of disciplines found in the field of marine science through hands-on experiences and activities.

Running the Research - March 29, 2021
Love research projects but not sure where to start? Join Mote for this introductory Learning Lab focused on the scientific method of research projects. This session will go through research projects step by step to better understand how and why researchers perform these experiments. We will discuss key elements, important procedures, and even work with data sets to better understand how to analyze your results. If you have to do a project for school, this is a great place to start.

Science Communication - April 26, 2021
Interested in pursuing a science field as a college major or career? Join Mote educators and experts to get a jumpstart on science communication. This Learning Lab will examine how to read and interpret scientific papers on various topics. Participants will also learn how to communicate the science back to peers and the general public. Participants will be able to apply the skills learned during this Lab to other subjects in school.

Tech Checklist
Code of Conduct

Are you interested in having Mote Education to host a Learning Lab with your club, class or group? Email us at educate@mote.org.

Please note that registration is required. Mote’s Learning Labs will not run if the minimum number of participants is not met. A notice will go out to the registered participants the day of should that happen. Only registered participants will be admitted into the Zoom program. Please check your email the week of your scheduled program for your reminder email and any updates including what household supplies you may need.

Teen Science Cafes

Join us for virtual, webinar style Teen Science Cafes hosted by Mote’s High School Interns! Teen Science Cafes are offered most months during the school year and are free. These programs are for high school students and pre-registration is required. (When registration for a future TSC is open, you will find it listed below. You may also check mote.org/events for upcoming programs.)

Upcoming Teen Science Cafes

Our Spring 2021 Teen Science Cafe season has ended. Please check back later this year for more opportunities for high school students.

Interested in a day camp in the Keys for teens? Check out mote.org/summercamp and join us at our lab in Summerland Key for snorkel and dive excursions at Looe Key, hands-on lab experiences, a kayak excursion and more!

High School Volunteers

Mote Marine Laboratory offers a competitive high school volunteer program for those students who are interested in marine science and education. Students selected will have the opportunity to earn service hour credit required for high school graduation. The students will serve as Aquarium Guides and interpret exhibits to guests. Training will be provided.

We have reached our capacity for applicants, and the registration for the 2021 Summer High School Volunteer Program (SHSVP) has ended. Please check back with us in February 2022 to register for our 2022 SHSVP. If you would like to be placed on our waiting list for the 2021 program in the case of cancellations, or potential high school volunteer opportunities later in the year, please click HERE.

Eligibility Requirements

The SHSVP is for current high school students or students who will enter high school in the following school year.
High School graduates and high school students who will graduate before July, are ineligible for the SHSVP, but may apply as a regular volunteer if they are able to serve for at least 6 months.
SHSVP volunteers will attend a short series of orientation meetings (2-3) virtually, as well as attending an on-site walkthrough prior to the start of the program.
SHSVP volunteers must have transportation to and from Mote Marine Laboratory campus on Ken Thompson Parkway over the course of the program.
SHSVP volunteers must commit 32 service hours as an Aquarium Guide to complete the program. One, 4-hour shift per week for a period of 8 weeks is the expectation, as the program’s duration is scheduled for 8 weeks. As COVID has affected this past year’s school schedule, which in turn is affecting our available time-frame to conduct our program, there may be situations where 8 weeks is not possible. We will approach each of these instances individually and will appreciate everyone’s flexibility in advance.
Volunteers will be selected based on application, interview, and availability.

For questions, contact Mote's Volunteer Coordinator at volcoordinator@mote.org.