Read: If a Dolphin Were a Fish

Length

Up to 30 minutes

Target Audience

Education: Grade(s) Kindergarten, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Homeschool/Family , Learning Pod Other Public Library: Library Patrons

Minimum participants:

1

Maximum participants:

100

Primary Disciplines

Language Arts/English, Literacy, Reading, Science, Writing

Program Delivery Mode

Videoconference – Webcam/desktop (Zoom, Google Meet, Cisco WebEx, GoToMeeting, Microsoft Teams, etc...)
Zoom Other

Booking Information

Book it!

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: Learners are invited to share what they know, what they’ve observed in nature, and what they’re curious to learn about dolphins and other marine life.
2. Segment 1 – Story Time: We read If a Dolphin Were a Fish together. As the story unfolds, learners explore reading comprehension through interactive discussion, making predictions, and comparing and contrasting adaptations.
3. Segment 2 – Am I a Mammal: We review key moments from the story and connect them to real dolphin traits and behaviors. Learners take a closer look at dolphin anatomy, models, and other biofacts while comparing mammal traits with reptiles and other creatures.
4. Segment 3 – Questions and Answers: We conclude with a live, educator-led Q&A about marine mammals, their care at Mote, and how healthy oceans support both wildlife and people.

Objectives

• Describe the physical features and behaviors of dolphins and other ocean animals.
• Compare dolphins as mammals to animals like fish, sea turtles, pelicans, sharks, and octopuses.
• Engage in a discussion about how different animals are adapted to live in ocean habitats.
• Explore how humans care for marine animals and help protect their environments.
• Develop curiosity and confidence in asking questions about animals and how they live.

Standards Alignment

National Standards

• SDG14 - Life Below Water
• Ocean Literacy Principle #5
• Lexile Framework: AD 730

State Standards

Florida Next Generation Sunshine State Standards (NGSSS)
• SC.K.L.14.3 – Observe plants and animals, describe how they are alike and how they are different in the way they look and in the things they do. Application: Learners observe dolphins and other ocean animals and compare how they look, move, breathe, and live in the sea.
• SC.1.L.14.1 – Make observations of living things and their environment using the five senses. Application: Learners use sight and sound to explore how animals like dolphins, sharks, and octopuses survive in the ocean, focusing on features like fins, blowholes, and senses.
• SC.2.L.17.1 – Compare and contrast the basic needs that all living things, including humans, have for survival. Application: Learners compare the needs of dolphins and other marine animals with those of humans and discuss how people can help protect ocean habitats.
• SC.3.L.15.1 – Classify animals into major groups according to their physical characteristics and behaviors. Application: Learners classify dolphins as mammals and compare them with fish, birds, reptiles, and invertebrates based on traits like breathing, movement, skin covering, and reproduction.
• SC.4.L.17.4 – Recognize ways plants and animals, including humans, can impact the environment. Application: Learners reflect on how human actions affect ocean animals and habitats and discuss ways to care for marine life through conservation and responsible behavior.

Additional list of Florida standards alignments is available from Arbordale Publishing.