Mote Marine Laboratory

a CILC Content Provider

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 our stunning 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 adventure and unlock the mysteries of the ocean!

2023-2024

2022-2023

2021-2022

2020-2021

2019-2020

2018-2019

2017-2018

2016-2017

2015-2016

2014-2015

2013-2014

2012-2013

2011-2012

Honorable Mention

2010-2011

Honorable Mention

2009-2010

2008-2009

2007-2008

Programs by Mote Marine Laboratory

!Live: Alligator

Meet Mote Aquarium’s resident American Alligator, in a virtual animal encounter that takes you into the heart of Florida’s wetlands.

!LIVE: Axolotl

Plunge into a virtual animal encounter with our axolotls and their amphibian friends at Mote Aquarium.

!LIVE: Corals

Join us for an immersive virtual animal encounter at Mote Aquarium, where you'll dive into the fascinating world of corals!

!LIVE: Jellyfish

Join us for a stunning virtual animal encounter and slip into the gelatinous world of jellyfish at Mote Aquarium.

!LIVE: Manatee

Join us for an engaging virtual animal encounter with a manatee.

!LIVE: Octopus

Slip into the mysterious world of cephalopods with Mote Aquarium's virtual animal encounter, featuring the captivating behaviors and unique adaptations of octopuses!

!LIVE: Sea Turtles

Experience an unforgettable virtual animal encounter with Mote Aquarium’s sea turtles.

!LIVE: Seahorses

Dip into an unforgettable virtual animal encounter with Mote Aquarium’s enchanting seahorses.

!LIVE: Sharks

Join us for a jawsome virtual animal encounter where you’ll dive deep into the world of sharks.

!SPECIAL: Discover the Challenge of Ocean Exploration

Dive into the depths of ocean exploration with our virtual presentation, designed to support teachers and students competing in the FIRST LEGO League SUBMERGED season.

FREE: Ask the Ocean

Are you a student interested in marine biology? Would you like to speak to someone about careers in marine science? Interested in learning more about Mote research programs? Book a session with our ocean experts and find out more.

Read: Alfie: (The Turtle That Disappeared)

[K–3] The night before Nia's seventh birthday, her turtle Alfie disappears. Where did he go? Go on an adventure and discover the friendship between a girl and her turtle—from both points of view. A warm and funny story that celebrates friendship....

Read: Clumsy Crab

[K–2] Snip, snap! Nipper the Crab hates his clumsy claws. Read along with us as we find out how useful they can eventually be.#Invertebrates #SEL #Reading #Literacy #STEM #Books #LanguageArts #English

Read: If a Dolphin Were a Fish

[K–3] Join us on this ocean adventure as we discover what makes a mammal a mammal and how creatures have adapted to live in the sea. Students will also learn about dolphin diversity using literacy and reading comprehension skills.

Read: Otto the Otter–A Big Surprise

[K–3] We are otterly ecstatic for otters! Celebrate these sleek and wonderful watershed creatures with a storybook about their underwater lives. Then virtually meet our North American river otters.#Otters #Mammals #Adaptations #Wetlands #Reading ...

Read: Shark Baby

[K–3] When Shark Baby’s egg case is torn loose in a storm, he goes on a journey across kelp forests, coral reefs, and seagrass meadows. He needs to find the “mermaid” to figure out where he belongs. Help him find his way back!#Sharks #Habitats...

Read: Smiley Shark

[K–2] SMILE! Join us on an ocean adventure and meet a lonely shark who loves to smile. Read along as we help him save the day and find some friends.

Read: Swimming With Sharks

[K–4] In the 1930s few people dared to explore the depths of the sea, and none were women. But Genie wasn’t afraid. Follow “the Shark Lady” as she uncovers the mysteries of the world’s most feared fish!#Sharks #WomenInSTEM #Reading #Literacy...

SEA: Biomedical & Technology Development

[6–12, Lifelong] Our innovators investigate new marine sources of medicine, novel methods to reduce the impacts of red tide and other harmful algae, and smart strategies and tools to take the pulse of our oceans.

SEA: Conservation, Restoration & Monitoring

[6–12, Lifelong] Sharks, sea turtles, manatees, corals and other iconic species enrich our lives—and Mote is dedicated to saving theirs. Learn how we safeguard these marine species.

SEA: Coral Reef Ecosystems

[6–12, Lifelong] Explore Coral Reef Ecosystems with Mote Marine Laboratory! Discover the intricate world of coral reefs, their vital role in marine biodiversity, and the latest advancements in research and conservation.

SEA: Environmental Health and Harmful Algal Blooms

[6–12, Lifelong] At Mote, we study ocean phenomena that impact environmental health and coastal communities—harmful algae, climate change, pollution and more—to develop practical solutions ranging from red tide mitigation to ecological restoration.

SEA: Fisheries & Aquaculture

[6–12, Lifelong] Mote scientists raise and responsibly release sportfishes vital to Florida’s economy to help boost populations affected by Florida red tide and other challenges. We also develop technology to farm saltwater animals and plants...

SEA: Marine Animal Rescue & Rehabilitation

[6–12, Lifelong] We rescue, rehabilitate and release sea turtles and marine mammals who have been struck by boats, entangled in fishing line, poisoned by red tide and more.

SEA: Marine Careers

[STUDIO] Dive into marine science and discover what it takes to be an aquarium biologist, shark scientist, sea turtle researcher and more!

Type of Organization

Science Center/Zoo

Contact

Jason Robertshaw seatrek@mote.org
1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota FL 34236
(941) 388-2904
United States

https://mote.org/seatrek

Primary Disciplines

The programs of Mote Marine Laboratory cover:

Career & Technical Education (CTE)
Industrial Technology
Language Arts/English
Literacy
Problem Based Learning
Professional Development
Reading
Science
Social and Emotional Learning( SEL)
STEM

Awards, Quotes, Testimonials

This video conference was excellent. It was perfectly suited to kindergarten students in timing and execution. The host was very engaging and the kids really liked him. It was a wonderful experience for our students. Thank you very much.

– Ms. Z, Hillsborough Elementary School, Hillsborough, NJ

I love these programs! I think the students like them as they are outside of what we normally do in class and they get to ask questions.

– Ms. B, Granville, NY

As featured on the CILC Why Distance Learning Podcast.

Seth, Tami, and Allyson chat with Jason Robertshaw from Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium about his experiences as a virtual educator. The discussion includes a day in the life in the Studio, supporting a range of experts using tech to teach, unlikely hazards using props, distance learning history and culture. They dive into the different ways an educator can get involved in interactive virtual teaching by using their personal expertise and highlighting important content of their institution or field. Also covered are tips and tricks for working with broadcast technologies – including what to do if a raccoon drops through the ceiling right before a live program! Don’t miss this conversation that explores how interactive distance learning experiences open a door to an authentic global classroom for learners of all ages.