Biologist In Training (2024)
In this series of exciting and educational day camps, young minds will dive into the fascinating world of coral reefs! Each camp is designed to provide campers with a deeper understanding of what corals are, how coral reefs form, what kinds of corals are found on the Florida Reef Tract and why they are crucial to the health of our planet. During lab days, campers will go on exclusive behind the scenes tours of Mote’s coral research labs, meet scientists and learn about careers in marine science, participate in hands-on lab simulations and learn ways to share their newfound knowledge through creative media.
- Lab Days, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Cost: $75 per session
- Field Days, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Cost: $50 per session
| DATE | TIME | COST | TOPIC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, June 11th | 9 AM – 4 PM | $75 | LAB DAY: Saving Coral Reefs |
| Thursday, June 13th | 9 AM – 4 PM | $75 | LAB DAY: Urchins, Snails and Crabs - oh my! |
| Tuesday, June 18th | 9 AM – 1 PM | $50 | FIELD DAY: Mangrovin’ with Mote |
| Thursday, June 20th | 9 AM – 4 PM | $75 | LAB DAY: Coral Doctors |
| Tuesday, June 25th | 9 AM – 4 PM | $75 | LAB DAY: Life Cycles of the Sea |
| Thursday, June 27th | 9 AM – 1 PM | $50 | FIELD DAY: The Microscopic World |
| Tuesday, July 2nd | 9 AM – 4 PM | $75 | LAB DAY: Saving Coral Reefs |
| Tuesday, July 9th | 9 AM – 4 PM | $75 | LAB DAY: Corals & Climate Change |
| Thursday, July 11th | 9 AM – 1 PM | $50 | FIELD DAY: Shark Safari |
Day Camp Descriptions
Lab Day: Saving Coral Reefs
June 11th, 2024 & July 2nd, 2024 @ 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Coral reefs around the world are in danger! Threats caused by climate change, pollution and other human impacts are having a big impact on coral reef populations. Thankfully labs like Mote are on the case, discovering new innovative ways to grow, care for and outplant new coral to help restore the Florida Reef Tract. Through interactive presentations, hands-on activities, and engaging discussions, campers will learn about the different types of coral, marine life, and the unique structures that make up these underwater wonders and gain hands-on experience using science tools and practicing restoration techniques.
Lab Day: Urchins, Snails & Crabs – Oh My!
June 13th, 2024 @ 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Algae is an important part of aquatic food chains, but too much of it can become a big slimy problem, especially on coral reefs. Not to worry though, algal grazers like crabs, urchins, and snails are here to help! These unsung ocean heroes are the stars of this camp. Through hands-on activities, lab simulations and behind the scenes tours, campers will learn about a variety of different critters that help keep algae under control and the vital role they play in coral restoration.
Lab Day: Coral Doctors
June 20th, 2024 @ 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Did you know that corals can get stressed and sick just like humans? And that stress can seriously impact their ability to handle some of the big issues they face in today’s oceans. Through hands-on activities, lab simulations and behind the scenes lab tours, campers will learn more about coral health and to recognize common diseases affecting the Florida Reef tract. They will then explore what Mote scientists are doing to help prevent these diseases from spreading.
Lab Day: Life Cycles of the Reef
June 25th, 2024 @ 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Have you ever wondered how coral reefs form? After a special behind the scenes tour of one of Mote’s research labs, campers will continue their journey with an engaging overview of the coral life cycle. Through hands-on activities and lab simulations, they will learn how coral babies grow into healthy coral reefs and explore Mote’s work to help these young corals grow to be as strong and resilient as they can be!
Lab Day: Corals & Climate Change
July 9th, 2024 @ 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
You’ve heard of climate change, but have you heard of its evil twin – ocean acidification? This fun and interactive journey was designed to help our young ocean explorers to understand the fascinating world of corals and the challenges they face with ocean acidification. Through hand on activities, behind the scenes tours and group discussions, campers will not only learn about ocean acidification and the impact it is having on our planet’s coral reefs, but will also develop a sense of responsibility for the well-being of our oceans and the colorful coral communities that inhabit them.
Field Day: Mangroovin’ with Mote
June 18th, 2024 @ 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Description: 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. This camp includes a water activity, kayaking the mangrove and sponge garden habitats.
Field Day: The Microscopic World
June 27th, 2024 @ 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Description: Up for an adventure? Gear up and get ready for a journey exploring the mangrove & seagrass ecosystems of Summerland Key with one of our professional educators. This program includes a plankton tow net STEM activity. This camp includes a water activity, kayaking the mangrove and sponge garden habitats.
Field Day: Shark Safari
July 11th, 2024 @ 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Description: Dive into the thrilling world of sharks on our Shark Safari! Campers will delve into the mysterious realm of these apex predators, discovering their impressive adaptations and crucial role in ocean ecosystems. This camp includes a water activity, kayaking the mangrove and sponge garden habitats.