Children 3-5 can discover ocean science with Mote and The Out-of-Door Academy
Liam Skelly and Ashlee Cole at Mote Aquarium. Credit: Alexis Balinski/Mote Marine Laboratory
Children ages 3-5 and their families are invited to three exciting, marine science outreach programs led by Mote Marine Laboratory and The Out-of-Door Academy (ODA) in Sarasota County.
Through these free educational programs from 10-11 a.m. on Nov. 4, 2017, Feb. 3 and April 14, 2018, participants will learn about marine animals’ survival strategies, about keeping the environment clean, and about how the ocean connects people everywhere.
Mote & ODA Early Childhood Programs are taught by a Mote educator working in partnership with ODA staff, with the goal of translating marine science to help children develop an interest in conservation and sustainability.
- Register for one program or all three at: www.oda.edu/MoteMarine
Registration is required for each program at least 24 hours in advance. Space is limited.
Details:
Nov. 4, 2017: Colors of the Coral Reef
Underwater animals must play the ultimate game for survival: Eat and avoid being eaten! Learn about the importance of camouflage, bright colors and patterns for sea creatures playing underwater hide-and-seek. This event will take place in Out-of-Door’s expanded 1,200 square-foot state-of-the-art facility equipped with a variety of marine species found in our local ecosystems in the Gulf of Mexico. Students are encouraged to explore, question and create.
Location: The Out-of-Door Academy, Siesta Key Campus, 444 Reid Street, Sarasota, FL 34242
Feb. 3, 2018: Healthy Habitats
Home, sweet home is important to both people and animals in our ecosystems. Visit Siesta Key Beach, learn about Florida’s coastal habitat and participate in a beach clean-up.
Location: Siesta Beach, 948 Beach Road, Sarasota. Look for signs showing meeting spot.
April 14, 2018: One Big Ocean
Everyone is connected by the sea. Come explore Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s unique exhibits highlighting the Lab’s cutting-edge marine research. From 10-11 a.m., take part in educational activities in Mote’s early childhood classroom, and then enjoy a special Aquarium exhibit visit with Mote scientists followed by more time to visit Mote at your leisure.
Location: Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236. Meet at the whale statue outside of Mote Aquarium.
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About Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium
Mote is an independent, nonprofit 501(c)3 research organization founded in 1955. Mote is home to over 20 research programs that are dedicated to today’s research for tomorrow’s oceans, with an emphasis on world-class science relevant to the conservation and sustainability of marine resources. Mote’s vision also includes positively impacting public policy through science-based outreach and education. Showcasing the Lab’s research is Mote Aquarium, open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 365 days a year. Learn more at mote.org.
About The Out-of-Door Academy
The Out-of-Door Academy is a non-profit 501(c)(3) independent, college preparatory school that provides an environment in which students strive to achieve their highest academic goals and to build character through a balanced program of academics, the arts and athletics. Out-of-Door staff have taught marine science to their students for more than 30 years and have collaborated with Mote for more than a decade. Mote field trips remain a favorite for Out-of-Door students and create many lasting memories. In 2017, Out-of-Door expanded its marine science/STEM program on its Siesta Key Campus to a 1,200-square-foot, state-of-the-art, hands-on and high-tech classroom environment where students learn daily about marine life, ecosystems and sustainability.