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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 Wednesdays from 5:00 to 8:00PM, via a secure Zoom webinar connection. Registration for each Learning Lab is $10 and covers all necessary materials for your session.

Fall Semester

Marine Science 101 - September 2, 2020
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 - October 7, 2020
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 - November 4, 2020
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.

Coding in Science - December 2, 2020
Coding is a valuable skill utilized throughout a variety of professional fields, including marine science. This Learning Lab will demonstrate how Mote’s biologists use coding to track marine species in our local waters. Participants will learn basic coding skills to analyze real data collected by Mote scientists and answer the question of where sharks and rays travel throughout Sarasota Bay.

Tech Checklist
Code of Conduct

Financial aid is available. If you are in need of a scholarship for Mote’s Learning Labs please contact 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. The link to the program is located in your reigstration email. 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.

Questions? Email educate@mote.org

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.

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 one-day orientation prior to volunteering.
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 a minimum of eight weeks to the program through at least one 4-hour shift as an Aquarium Guide per week over the course of the program.
Volunteers will be selected based on application, interview, and availability.

Our application acceptance period for Summer 2020 has ended. For questions, contact Mote's Volunteer Coordinator at volcoordinator@mote.org.