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 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!

2024-2025

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

EXPLORE: Estuaries

Explore Sarasota Bay live from MARVEN (Mote Aquarium Roving Virtual Estuary Navigator) as we journey over mudflats, seagrass meadows, and mangrove forests. Discover the challenges estuary animals face between the tides.

NSTA: Pill Bug

In this interactive virtual story time, we read "Next Time You See a Pill Bug" by Emily Morgan, a book that investigates invertebrates like roly-polies and explores the diversity of crustaceans.

NSTA: Seashell

In this interactive virtual story time, we read "Next Time You See a Seashell " by Emily Morgan, a book that explores how mollusks create shells for protection and camouflage, and how these natural wonders reveal clues about their past.

NSTA: Snowflake

Experience snowflakes like never before with Next Time You See a Snowflake, exploring how they form, why they’re six-sided, and the conditions that make them possible.

Read: Alfie: (The Turtle That Disappeared)

An interactive virtual story time with Alfie: The Turtle That Disappeared by Thyra Heder. Follow Nia and her pet turtle through a heartwarming, funny tale of friendship told from two perspectives, exploring how friends can see the world...

Read: Clumsy Crab

Join us for Clumsy Crab, a heartwarming story of friendship and self-acceptance. Learners discover how Nipper’s big claws, once a problem, become his greatest strength. Along the way, explore crab traits, meet other sea creatures, and build early...

Read: If a Dolphin Were a Fish

Join Delfina the dolphin on a playful ocean adventure, imagining life as fish, turtles, sharks, and more. Through storytelling and interactive learning, students explore adaptations, habitats, and what makes mammals unique, building critical...

Read: Otto the Otter–A Big Surprise

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.

Read: Shark Baby

In this interactive virtual story time, we read Shark Baby, written by Ann Downer and illustrated by Shennen Bersani.

Read: Smiley Shark

In this interactive virtual story time, we read Smiley Shark, by Ruth Galloway.

Read: Swimming With Sharks

In this interactive virtual story time, we read Swimming With Sharks, the Daring Discoveries of Eugenie Clark, written by Heather Land and illustrated by Jordi Solano.Recommended for Ages 5-10

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: 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: Toxins and Tides

[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.

STEM: 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.

WAVE: Axolotl

Waddle into a virtual animal encounter with our axolotls and their amphibian friends.

WAVE: Corals

Dive into the curious world of corals.

WAVE: Jellyfish

Journey into the gelatinous world of jellyfish.

WAVE: Manatee

Meet our marvelous manatees.

WAVE: Octopus

Slip into the mysterious world of the octopus.

WAVE: Otter

Slide into a virtual animal encounter with the playful North American River Otters.

WAVE: Seahorses

Dip into a surprising encounter with seahorses.

WAVE: Sharks

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

WAVE: Turtle

Shell-ebrate turtles with a virtual visit to our resident reptiles.

Type of Organization

Science Center/Zoo

Contact

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

https://sites.google.com/mote.org/virtualfocustrips/connect

Primary Disciplines

The programs of Mote Marine Laboratory cover:

Online Learning/Digital Learning
Online Learning/Digital Learning
Career & Technical Education (CTE)
Industrial Technology
Language Arts/English
Literacy
Problem Based Learning
Professional Development
Reading
Science
Social and Emotional Learning( SEL)
STEM
Women's History
Asian Pacific American heritage Month

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.