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EXPANDING BOUNDARIES.
CHANGING LIVES.
EXPANDING BOUNDARIES.
CHANGING LIVES.
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STEM: Estuary Explorations

by  Mote Marine Laboratory

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Go on a seashore safari without getting wet during our excursion into Sarasota Bay. Live from atop MARVEN (Mote Aquarium Roving Virtual Estuary Navigator), embark on a sightseeing adventure over mudflats, seagrass meadows, and mangrove trees. Uncover the challenges sea creatures face living between the tides and maybe wave to a scientist working alongside us on the docks. You never know what we will find when we explore the estuary together. From shark pups to grownups, this program is suitable for all ages.

Made possible by a generous grant for the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program's Bay Partners Grant program.

Mote is proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and has met rigorous, professional standards for animal care, wildlife conservation and research, education, and more.

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Program Rating

   based on 12 evaluation(s).
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About This Program

Cost

By Request: $111.11
By Request Premium: $100.00


Programming available 9:30 am–4:00 pm ET. Weekend and after hours (5 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 Q&


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

Professional Development, Science, STEM


Program Delivery Mode

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



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

Content Provider logo

 

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

  • Introduction and Prior Knowledge: The program begins with an introduction to estuaries, discussing their importance in marine ecosystems and inviting participants to share any facts or questions they may have.
  • Segment 1 - What is an estuary? Participants are introduced to the Sarasota Bay estuary, learning about the role of seagrass in this ecosystem and the various species found there.
  • Video 1 - Roots of Resilience: A short video is shown, highlighting Mote’s efforts in growing resilient seagrass and the science of seagrass restoration.
  • Segment 2 - Meet the Mangroves: Discover the diversity of mangrove species and their vital role in stabilizing shorelines, filtering water, and providing essential habitat for marine life.
  • Video 2 - Rising Tides: Rising seas and shifting shorelines shape the future of our coastal ecosystems. In this brief video, discover how changes in sea level and water quality impact estuaries like Sarasota Bay.
  • Segment 3 - Connected Currents: Explore how bioswales keep our bay healthy as we go behind the scenes to look at natural filtration systems and consider solutions that can work in your community.

Objectives

  • Explore the critical role estuaries play in marine ecosystems, including their impact on biodiversity and shoreline protection.
  • Identify various estuarine species and recognize the challenges they face due to changes in water quality and loss of habitat.
  • Investigate natural solutions like bioswales and rain gardens and propose ways to implement them in their own communities.
  • Ask questions and engage in discussions about environmental challenges such as sea level rise, water quality, and habitat restoration.

Standards Alignment

National Standards

ESS2C 9-12 -- The roles of water in Earth's surface processes
ESS3C 3-5 -- Human impacts on Earth systems
ESS3C 6-8 -- Human impacts on Earth systems
ESS3C 9-12 -- Human impacts on Earth systems
LS1A 3-5 -- Structure and function
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

State Standards

    Florida Next Generation Sunshine State Standards (NGSSS)
  • SC.K.P.12.1, SC.1.L.17.1, SC.2.L.17.2, SC.3.L.15.1, SC.4.L.17.4, SC.5.L.17.1, SC.5.N.2.1, SC.6.E.7.2, SC.7.E.6.6, SC.7.L.17.3, SC.8.L.18.3, SC.912.L.17.4