WAVE: Manatee

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 Pod Other Public Library: Library Patrons, Library Staff

Minimum participants:

1

Maximum participants:

100

Primary Disciplines

Career & Technical Education (CTE), Professional Development, Science, STEM

Program Delivery Mode

ZoomOther

Cecil the terrapin meets manatees 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.

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

• Introduction and Prior Knowledge: Introduction to manatees and other marine mammals, encouraging learners to share any facts or insights they’ve gathered beforehand.
• Segment 1 – MOOZ*: Meet our resident West Indian Manatees, while learning about the physical characteristics, behaviors, and adaptations of marine mammals. (*Manatee Observation Outreach Zooms)
• Video 1 – Manatee Care and Husbandry: A short video is shown, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the specialized research and husbandry practices for manatees at the aquarium.
• Segment 2 – Manatee Toys: Explore Environmental Enrichment Devices (EEDs) used in the manatee habitat and learn how stimulating natural behaviors and providing novel challenges are vital for the well-being of animals in zoos and aquariums.
• Video 2 – Save the Manatees: Watch a brief video about the research and rescue of manatees.
• Segment 3 – Q&A Session: The program concludes with an interactive Q&A session, where participants can ask questions and engage in discussions about manatees, marine mammals, and conservation.

Segments may vary due to weather and veterinary priorities. We will make every effort to deliver the segments as described but may use a combination of live and recorded video when necessary.

Objectives

1. Identify key characteristics of manatees and other marine mammals through interactive segments and videos.
2. Describe the research and conservation efforts conducted by Mote to protect manatees, based on presented information and discussions.
3. Analyze the challenges faced by manatees due to human activities and propose potential conservation strategies.
4. Engage in a Q&A session to discuss and ask questions about manatee behavior, care, and conservation efforts.

Standards Alignment

National Standards

ESS3C 3-5 -- Human impacts on Earth systems
ESS3C 6-8 -- Human impacts on Earth systems
ESS3C 9-12 -- Human impacts on Earth systems
LS2A 3-5 -- Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
LS2A 6-8 -- Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
LS2A 9-12 -- Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
LS2B 3-5 -- Cycles of matter and engergy transfer in ecosystems
LS2B 6-8 -- Cycles of matter and engergy transfer in ecosystems
LS2B 9-12 -- Cycles of matter and engergy transfer in ecosystems
LS4C 3-5 -- Adaptation
LS4C 6-8 -- Adaptation
LS4C 9-12 -- Adaptation
LS4D 3-5 -- Biodiversity and humans
LS4D 6-8 -- Biodiversity and humans
LS4D 9-12 -- Biodiversity and humans

• 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 manatees as vertebrates, their classification as mammals, and how they differ from other animals.
• SC.4.L.17.4 – Recognize ways plants and animals, including humans, can impact the environment. Application: The program discusses how manatees and organisms 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 mammal adaptation and resilience in changing environments.
• SC.6.L.15.1 – Analyze how organisms are classified based on shared characteristics. Application: Students examine manatees 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 manatee populations, such as water quality, habitat availability, and disease.