SEA Me Read - Fiction

by Mote Marine Laboratory

For K–5, SEA Me Read - Fiction brings STEM storybooks to life. We read aloud with your audience using a dialogic approach, prompting learners to talk about the story, expanding on their responses, and encouraging them to retell or predict what happens next.

A great choice for K–5 classrooms, homeschool groups, learning pods, and public libraries.

Choose from any of the following stories. Please note your choice under "Additional Information for Content Provider to Know" when booking.

Smiley Shark (by Ruth Galloway, Tiger Tales)
Clumsy Crab (by Ruth Galloway, Tiger Tales)
Shark Baby (by Ann Downer, illustrated by Shennen Bersani, Arbordale)
If a Dolphin Were a Fish (by Loran Wlodarski, illustrated by Shennen Bersani, Arbordale)
Alfie: (The Turtle That Disappeared) (by Thyra Heder, Abrams Books for Young Readers)

These programs feature live animals. Mote is proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), meeting rigorous professional standards for animal care, wildlife conservation, research, and education.

Program Rating

This program has not yet been evaluated.

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About This Program

Cost

By Request: $111.11
By Request Premium: $100.00

Programming available 9:00 am–5:30 pm ET. Programs should be booked at least three weeks in advance so we can coordinate with animal care staff and confirm your focal animal’s availability. Scheduling may be affected by weather or veterinary priorities. Weekend and after hours (5:30 pm ET) requests are available for an additional fee.

Billing Questions: please contact our Operations & Administration Manager (educate@mote.org, 941-388-4441;348).

Sarasota Teachers: Our EdExploreSRQ listings are eligible for funding from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, as well as the Education Foundation of Sarasota County. Find out how to fund your virtual field trip.

Length

Up to 30 minutes (plus time for Q&A)

Target Audience

Education: Grade(s) Pre-K Students, Kindergarten, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

Minimum participants:

Maximum participants:

100

Primary Disciplines

Online Learning/Digital Learning , Online Learning/Digital Learning , Language Arts/English, Literacy, Reading, Science, Social and Emotional Learning( SEL), STEM

Program Delivery Mode

Zoom

Excerpt example from If A Dolphin Were A Fish

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.

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Receive this program and 9 more for one low price when you purchase the CILC Virtual Expeditions package. Learn more

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!

Contact:
Jason Robertshaw
marven@mote.org
(941) 388-2904

Program Details

Format

SEA Me Read programs begin with a live introduction from a Mote expert who introduces the featured storybook and the real-life animals that inspired it.
We read the story together using a dialogic approach, inviting participants to make predictions and explore the book's themes through interactive media.
After the story, we use live video or high-resolution imagery to compare the fictional characters with real scientific facts about animal anatomy and behavior.
Educators lead interactive discussions and comprehension activities, such as a "Fishy Thoughts," that are tailored to the specific age and grade level of the audience.
Every session concludes with a live Q&A period where participants can ask our experts questions about the book, the animals, and ocean conservation.

Objectives

The participants will:

Identify the differences between fictional character traits and real-world animal adaptations by comparing storybook illustrations with scientific facts.
Analyze key story elements, such as plot and character motivation, to improve reading comprehension and critical thinking skills.
Explore the diversity of marine life and their unique habitats through the lens of engaging narratives and live-action media.
Engage in an interactive dialogue with Mote experts to satisfy curiosity about the ocean and develop an early appreciation for marine conservation.

Standards Alignment

National Standards

For a complete list of Common Core, Next Generation Science Standards, and Florida standards, please visit the For Educators section for your preferred program: