WAVE: Sharks

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

Cecil the terrapin meets sharks & fish at Mote Aquarium

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 starts with an introduction to sharks and their relatives, encouraging participants to share any facts or insights they’ve gathered beforehand.
2. Segment 1 - Shark Zone: Participants are introduced to the sharks in our 135,000 gallon habitat, while learning about the physical characteristics, behaviors, and adaptations of sharks and rays.
3. Video 1 - Shark Care and Husbandry: A short video is shown, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the specialized care and husbandry practices for sharks and rays at the aquarium.
4. Segment 2 - Research and Conservation: Discover Mote’s innovative research and conservation efforts aimed at understanding and protecting sharks, rays, and skates through field studies and laboratory work.
5. Video 2 - The Shark Lady: Participants watch a brief video exploring the career of Mote’s founder, Dr. Eugenie Clark and the 70+ years of research at the lab.
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 sharks, stingrays, and conservation.

Objectives

• Identify and describe the role of sharks and their relatives (rays and skates) within marine ecosystems, recognizing their importance as apex predators and their interactions with other species.
• Examine the adaptations and lifecycles of different shark species, and understand how aquarium staff feed and care for sharks to maintain their health and wellbeing.
• Investigate the impacts of human activities, such as overfishing, on shark populations and marine ecosystems, and evaluate conservation strategies to protect these vital species.
• Ask questions and engage in discussions during the Q&A session to enhance their understanding of shark biology, aquarium care, and conservation research at Mote.

Standards Alignment

National Standards

LS1A 3-5 -- Structure and function
LS1A K-2 -- Structure and function

• SDG13 - Climate Action
• SDG14 - Life Below Water
• Ocean Literacy Principle #3 – The ocean is a major influence on weather and climate.
• Ocean Literacy Principle #5 – The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems.
• Ocean Literacy Principle #6 – The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected.

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 sharks as vertebrates, their classification as elasmobranchs, 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 sharks and marine life interact with their environment and the effects of human activities on them.
• SC.5.L.15.1 – Describe how, when the environment changes, differences between individuals allow some plants and animals to survive and reproduce while others die or move to new locations. Application: Students learn about elasmobranch adaptation and resilience in changing marine environments.
• SC.6.L.15.1 – Analyze how organisms are classified based on shared characteristics. Application: Students examine sharks 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 shark 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 shark conservation intersects with tourism, fisheries, and public perception of sharks.
• 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 shark population decline and the role sharks play in maintaining biodiversity and healthy marine ecosystems.