WAVE: Jellyfish

Length

Up to 30 minutes

Target Audience

Education: Grade(s) 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, Teacher(s)/Educator(s), Parent, Adult Learners, Homeschool/Family , Learning PodPublic Library: Library Patrons, Library Staff

Minimum participants:

1

Maximum participants:

100

Primary Disciplines

Career & Technical Education (CTE), Science, STEM

Program Delivery Mode

Zoom

WAVE Jellyfish

Booking Information

Mote reserves the right to modify program content or schedules as needed. Changes made by Mote do not qualify for a refund. Program elements may vary due to weather or veterinary needs. While we strive to deliver all experiences as described, a mix of live and pre-recorded video may be used to maintain program quality.

Sorry, this program is not currently available. To inquire about future availability, please contact Mote Marine Laboratory

For more information contact CILC by email info@cilc.org or by phone (507) 388-3672

Provider's Cancellation Policy

Effective 7/1/2025, the following Cancellation, Rescheduling & Program Policies apply to Mote Virtual Focus Trips.

About This Provider

 

Mote Marine Laboratory

Sarasota, FL
United States

Experience the wonders of the ocean from the comfort of your own classroom or home with Mote Marine Laboratory's Virtual Focus Trips! As a world-class, AZA-accredited nonprofit marine research institution, we bring the excitement of authentic research and hands-on learning to you. From chatting with a shark trainer in the stunning new Mote Science Education Aquarium, to exploring the Florida Keys and observing coral reefs like a real scientist, our virtual lessons are designed to engage and inspire your students. Aligned with state and national education standards, our lessons range from 30 to 60 minutes and provide a unique and thrilling way to dive into STEM topics. Join us on a virtual learning journey and unlock the mysteries of the ocean!

Program Details

Format

1. Introduction and Prior Knowledge: The program begins with an introduction to sea jellies, where participants are encouraged to share any facts or insights they’ve gathered about jellyfish beforehand.
2. Segment 1 - Meet Our Jellies: Participants are introduced to the different species of jellyfish at the aquarium. This segment includes learning about the physical characteristics, behaviors, and adaptations of jellyfish, with a focus on how these unique creatures survive and thrive in their environments.
3. Video 1 - Jellyfish Care and Husbandry: A short video provides a behind-the-scenes look at the specialized care and husbandry practices at the aquarium. Participants will learn about daily care routines, feeding practices, and what to do if they encounter a jellyfish sting.
4. Segment 2 - Jellyfish Babies and Life cycles: This segment explores the life cycle of jellyfish, from babies to adults. Topics include the aquaculture of jellyfish, their economic importance, and related environmental concerns.
5. Video 2 - Coral Connection: The second video delves into the relationship between jellyfish and their cousins, the corals. It highlights coral reef conservation and research, as well as coral propagation and restoration efforts at the aquarium.
6. Segment 3 - Q&A Session: The program concludes with an interactive Q&A session, where participants can ask questions and engage in discussions about jellyfish, anemones, corals, and broader conservation efforts.

Objectives

1. The participant will identify the physical characteristics and adaptations of jellyfish and related species like anemones and corals.
2. The participant will explore the life cycle stages of jellyfish, including their development from larvae to adults.
3. The participant will analyze the economic and environmental significance of jellyfish and the challenges they pose.
4. The participant will connect the relationship between jellyfish and corals, understanding their roles within marine ecosystems.
5. The participant will engage in discussions about the conservation efforts needed to protect jellyfish and coral reef habitats.

Standards Alignment

National Standards

LS1A 3-5 -- Structure and function
LS1A 6-8 -- Structure and function
LS1A 9-12 -- Structure and function
LS1D 3-5 -- Information Processing
LS1D 6-8 -- Information Processing
LS2A 3-5 -- Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
LS2A 6-8 -- Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
LS2A 9-12 -- Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
LS2C 3-5 -- Ecosystem dynamics, functioning, and resilience
LS2C 6-8 -- Ecosystem dynamics, functioning, and resilience
LS2C 9-12 -- Ecosystem dynamics, functioning, and resilience
LS4C 3-5 -- Adaptation
LS4C 6-8 -- Adaptation
LS4C 9-12 -- Adaptation

• SDG14 - Life Below Water
• Ocean Literacy Principle #5

State Standards

Florida Next Generation Sunshine State Standards (NGSSS)

• SC.3.L.15.1 – Classify animals into major groups based on physical characteristics and behaviors. Application: Students learn about sea jellies as invertebrates, their classification as cnidarians or ctenophorans, and how they differ from other marine animals.
• SC.4.L.17.4 – Recognize ways plants and animals, including humans, can impact the environment. Application: The program discusses how sea jellies and marine life interact with their environment and the effects of human activities on these organisms.
• SC.5.L.17.1 – Compare and contrast adaptations displayed by animals and plants that enable them to survive in different environments such as life cycles variations, animal behaviors and physical characteristics. Application: Students learn about sea jelly anatomy and life cycles.
• SC.6.L.15.1 – Analyze how organisms are classified based on shared characteristics. Application: Students examine sea jellies within the Linnaean classification system and their distinguishing biological traits.
• SC.7.L.17.3 – Describe limiting factors in an ecosystem and their impact on populations. Application: The program investigates factors affecting sea jelly populations, such as water quality, habitat availability, and disease.
• SC.8.N.4.2 – Explain how political, social, and economic concerns affect science and vice versa. Application: The program explores how sea jelly management intersects with tourism, fishing industries, and global climate policies.
• SC.912.L.17.8 – Recognize the consequences of the losses of biodiversity due to catastrophic events, climate changes, human activity, and the introduction of invasive, non-native species. Application: Students explore the increase in sea jelly populations and the contributing factors, including human impacts and climate change.