Looking Back, Moving Forward

Looking Back, Moving Forward: Another Year of Bringing Marine Science Beyond the Aquarium

As we reflect on the 2025–2026 fiscal year, we're proud of what we've accomplished through Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium's Virtual Learning Programs, and even more excited about what's ahead.

Over the past year, we connected with more than 7,000 participants through 120 live educational experiences, delivering approximately 75 hours of live programming. From animal encounters and STEM explorations to science talks, storytimes, and virtual camps, it's been a year of innovation, collaboration, and connection.

A Year of Virtual Learning by the Numbers

A few highlights from the past year:

• Over 70% of participants were youth, helping inspire the next generation of ocean scientists and stewards.
• About 35% participated in Wonderful Animal Virtual Encounters (WAVE), our new format for connecting learners directly with marine life at the Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA).
• Nearly 20% participated in our free SEA Show programs, expanding access to marine science education.
• More than 75% of our revenue came from delivered educational programs and partnerships, supporting the sustainability of virtual learning.

Behind these numbers are thousands of opportunities to explore marine ecosystems, observe animal behaviors, ask questions, and connect with the science happening at Mote.

Partnerships Make It Possible

Some of our favorite accomplishments came from the people, partnerships, and opportunities that make distance learning possible. We're grateful for the organizations and individuals who helped us connect, collaborate, and learn together.

• Manatee Lagoon: Continued our collaboration to offer Virtual Summer Camp, connecting young learners with marine science through interactive experiences from both organizations.
• Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC): Connected with classrooms and lifelong learners through CILC's global network. We were especially honored to receive the 2025–2026 CILC Pinnacle Award for excellence in live virtual learning.
• Connected North: Continued sharing interactive marine science experiences with students in communities across Canada, creating opportunities for mutual learning, exchanging knowledge and perspectives, and building connections across geographic distances.
• Road Scholar: Collaborated on virtual Science Talks for lifelong learners, exploring marine ecosystems, ocean conservation, and the research happening at Mote.
• Community Foundation of Sarasota County / Cooper Lynn: Mentored a summer intern through the Environmental Discovery Awards & Internship Program (EDAP), sharing experiences at the intersection of marine science, educational technology, and informal science education.
• The Patterson Foundation / Suncoast Remake Learning Days: Participated in this regional celebration of learning through free virtual marine science experiences that encouraged curiosity, exploration, and family engagement.

What's Next for 2026–2027?

We've got some exciting developments on the horizon, including new ways to connect with Mote's scientists, explore marine life, and participate in hands-on STEM learning.

• MARVEN MK.5 is getting ready to roll. With enhanced wireless Network Device Interface (NDI) video capabilities and a more flexible mobile production setup, we'll be able to bring live experiences from even more locations throughout Mote SEA.
• Live from the Labs: We're planning to livestream select Lab Chats from the Mote SEA Workforce Development Labs on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10:30 and 11:00 a.m. ET, when available. These free experiences will give virtual audiences opportunities to meet marine science professionals, explore their work, and ask questions in real time.
• World Penguin Day, April 25, 2027, 4–5 p.m. ET: Waddle into a FREE Wonderful Animal Virtual Encounter with Mote's penguins as part of Suncoast Remake Learning Days. Meet our feathered friends live, explore their remarkable adaptations, and continue the discovery with a downloadable STEM activity pack. Learn more and register.
• Free Fish WISE for Florida Teachers: Thanks to support from Florida Agriculture in the Classroom, Florida educators can book our fisheries and aquaculture Workforce Industry STEM Explorations (WISE) program at no cost during the 2026–2027 school year, while scholarships remain available. Students will explore the science, technology, and careers behind sustainable seafood production.
• More Flexibility, Less Planning: Most virtual programs can now be booked with as little as 7 days' notice, down from the previous 21 days. That means more opportunities to bring marine science into classrooms and community spaces without weeks of advance planning.
• New WAVE ACT Packs: We've added optional companion activity packs to program bookings, extending the learning beyond the live encounter with hands-on STEM activities that encourage participants to investigate, create, and explore.

More Than a Virtual Field Trip

Whether it's joining a scientist in the lab, meeting an animal live, conducting an experiment together, or exchanging ideas with learners thousands of miles away, we believe meaningful connections are at the heart of science education.

Distance learning isn't simply a substitute for visiting an aquarium. It's a way to connect people, share perspectives, and create learning opportunities that might not otherwise be possible.

We're grateful to the educators, learners, colleagues, and community partners who made this past year possible.

Here's to another year of curiosity, collaboration, and bringing the ocean to learners wherever they are.

Thank you for learning with us!

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📬 Keep in Touch

• 📧 Send questions or stories to marven@mote.org
• 📰 Subscribe to our newsletter for MARVEN program updates
• ▶️ Explore more on our YouTube channel

Zoom in. Focus together. Wonder around.

Registration is now open for the 2026 Youth Ocean Conservation Summit! Join us on Saturday, September 12 at Mote Science Education Aquarium in Sarasota, FL for a day designed to connect, inspire, and equip the next generation of ocean leaders.

YOCS gives young people ages 13-18 a unique opportunity to learn about the challenges facing our ocean, connect with other young ocean advocates, and develop the skills and ideas needed to take action in their own communities. Throughout the Summit, participants will take part in interactive workshops, explore careers and opportunities in marine conservation, connect with professionals and peers, and learn how they can turn their passion for the ocean into meaningful action.

Learn more and register today: https://www.yocs.org/2026-summit.

Space is limited and registration will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. A $30 registration fee includes access to all Summit sessions and activities, lunch, and an event t-shirt.

We would greatly appreciate your help sharing this opportunity with students, educators, and youth leaders in your networks. Our 2026 YOCS Promotional Toolkit includes ready-to-share e-mail and social media content to help spread the word.

Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about YOCS or the registration process. We look forward to welcoming your students to Sarasota for the Summit!

• YOCS at Mote SEA

Mote Marine Laboratory Receives 2025–2026 CILC Pinnacle Award for Virtual Learning Excellence

Mote Marine Laboratory has once again been honored with a Pinnacle Award from the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC) for the 2025–2026 school year, recognizing excellence in live virtual learning experiences.

Presented annually, the Pinnacle Awards recognize CILC Content Providers whose interactive virtual programs consistently receive exceptional evaluations from educators, librarians, activity directors, and community leaders. Based on participant feedback, the awards celebrate organizations that demonstrate outstanding educational quality, meaningful learner engagement, and lasting impact.

Established in 2008, the Pinnacle Awards have become one of CILC's most respected recognitions for organizations that continue to raise the standard for interactive virtual education.

"Every Pinnacle Award recipient demonstrates that meaningful learning isn't defined by a classroom or a building—it's defined by curiosity, engagement, and human connection," said Allyson Mitchell, Director of Partnerships & Engagement at CILC. "Every one of these recipients is setting the standard for interactive learning experiences."

This latest recognition continues Mote's long tradition of excellence in virtual education. Since joining CILC, Mote has earned multiple Pinnacle Awards and, in 2020, was inducted into the CILC Pinnacle Hall of Fame in recognition of more than a decade of award-winning virtual programming.

"We have always had the goal of making education and the magic of learning here at Mote something that can be utilized by anyone," said Jason Robertshaw, Mote's Virtual Programs Manager. "The value of this award is that it is based on direct feedback from teachers, families, and community partners, so we know our programs are making a difference."

"This recognition reflects our commitment to creating immersive STEM learning experiences that inspire curiosity and connect learners with real science," said Aly Busse, Associate Vice President for Education at Mote Marine Laboratory. "Whether students join us from a classroom, library, homeschool, or community center, we're proud to make marine science accessible through engaging virtual experiences."

Over Three Decades of STEM Learning Journeys

Mote's commitment to virtual education spans more than 35 years.

In 1986, Mote Marine Laboratory established long-range plans to expand its K–12 education initiatives. That vision became reality in 1989, when legendary ocean explorer Dr. Bob Ballard, discoverer of the RMS Titanic, invited Mote to become the twelfth site in the groundbreaking JASON Project. Through interactive videoconferencing, students participated in live scientific expeditions to remote locations around the world. Support from the William G. and Marie Selby Foundation, along with the Sarasota and Manatee County school districts, enabled more than 10,000 students to participate during Mote's first year.

By 1994, Mote was pioneering distance-learning technology, allowing students in England to remotely pilot an underwater ROV inside Mote Aquarium's shark habitat.

Building on this momentum, Mote launched SeaTrek in 1996, connecting classrooms worldwide with marine scientists through live, multimedia virtual field trips focused on sharks, coral reefs, sea turtles, fisheries, and ocean conservation. By 2006, SeaTrek had reached more than 15,000 students around the globe.

Mote's innovation in virtual education has continued to earn national recognition. In 2017, Mote received the Interactive Video Conference Content Provider Award from the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE). In 2020, CILC inducted Mote into its inaugural Pinnacle Hall of Fame, recognizing over a decade of sustained excellence in live virtual programming.

Today, Mote's Virtual Focus Trips serve learners from classrooms, libraries, homeschool groups, senior living communities, and lifelong learning organizations around the world.

The Next Generation of Virtual Learning

Continuing its legacy of educational innovation, Mote is expanding its Wonderful Animal Virtual Encounters from the new Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA).

Programs are powered by the Mote Aquarium Roving Virtual Exhibit Navigator (MARVEN)—a mobile virtual learning system equipped with multiple cameras, wireless microphones, and integrated media technology that allows audiences to experience behind-the-scenes animal encounters like never before.

From penguins and sharks to sea turtles and coral restoration, MARVEN creates immersive, interactive experiences that bring learners directly into the heart of Mote's research and education mission.

Thank you for learning with us!

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📬 Keep in Touch

• 📧 Send questions or stories to marven@mote.org
• 📰 Subscribe to our newsletter for MARVEN program updates
• ▶️ Explore more on our YouTube channel

Zoom in. Focus together. Wonder around.

New Booking Option: Choose Zoom Meeting or Webinar

You have a new option when booking your Mote virtual focus trips.

You can now choose whether you'd like your session hosted as a Zoom Meeting or a Zoom Webinar.

Zoom Meeting

• Best for interactive classroom sessions.
• Participants can use audio, video, and chat.
• Teachers can be assigned as co-hosts to help manage their class.
• Ideal for classroom discussions and live questions.
• Supports up to 100 participant login links.

Zoom Webinar

• Best for larger audiences or multiple classrooms.
• Participants join without audio or video.
• Questions and comments can be submitted through the chat or Q&A.
• Supports up to 500 participant login links.
• Ideal for grade-level programs, school-wide assemblies, district events, and professional development.

When booking your program, simply select the Zoom format that best fits your audience. If you prefer to use your own Zoom account or connect by another means, just let us know in the Additional Notes section when booking.

Whether you're connecting with a single classroom or hundreds of participants across a school district, we've got you covered.

Live from the Shark Habitat — Inside Mote Aquarium

Join us on Monday, July 20, 2026, at 1 p.m. (ET)/ 10 a.m. (PT), for a one-hour lecture and Q&A to learn about how sharks are cared for and studied at Mote Aquarium.

In the final lecture of this three-part series, go behind the scenes at Mote Aquarium in a live, interactive broadcast from the shark habitat. Join Jason Robertshaw, certified Florida Master Naturalist and Program Manager at Mote Marine Laboratory, for an up-close look at the care, training and research supporting sharks living at the Mote Science Education Aquarium. Featuring several species on display, this lecture connects what we observe under human care to the remarkable diversity of more than 500 shark species worldwide and explores how aquarium-based research and public engagement contribute to shark conservation.

Cost: $25 per lecture

This live online experience uses Zoom Webinar. Participants will not appear on screen but may submit questions live through the Q&A feature. Unless otherwise noted, registration includes access to the live event and a recording available for two weeks after the lecture.

Register: roadscholar.org/find-an-adventure/25721/Online-Lecture-Live-from-the-Shark-Habitat-Inside-Mote-Aquarium

New hours and availability

Fall 2026 Virtual Program Scheduling & Booking Updates

As we prep for another exciting school year, we'd like to share a few updates about our virtual programming schedule and booking process.

General Availability

• Most virtual programs are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
• After-hours and weekend programs may be available upon request for an additional fee.

Program Availability

Availability may occasionally change due to animal care schedules or special events. The times below reflect our typical scheduling windows.

🐧 Wonderful Animal Virtual Encounters (WAVE)

• Tuesday–Thursday: 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. ET
• Axolotls: 1:00–3:00 p.m. ET
• Penguins: Typically scheduled around feeding times (approximately 10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. ET)
• Sharks, Octopus, Sea Turtles, Manatees & Seahorses: Best scheduled 8:00–9:30 a.m. ET, before Mote SEA opens
• River Otters: 9:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. ET

🆕 Workforce Industry Skills Explorations (WISE)

• Tuesday–Thursday: 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. ET
• Friday: 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. ET

🎤 Mote Science Talks (Virtual)

• Monday–Thursday: 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. ET
• Friday: 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. ET

📚 SEA Me Read

• Monday–Thursday: 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m. ET

Two Virtual Learning Locations

Beginning this fall, Mote Marine Laboratory will offer virtual programs from two locations:

• Mote Education Virtual Interactive Studio (MEVIS) on City Island
• Mote Aquarium Roving Virtual Exhibit Navigator (MARVEN) at the Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA)

This expanded approach allows us to offer a wider variety of live, interactive STEM experiences for classrooms.

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Booking Your Virtual Program

We prefer to use TidyCal for booking virtual focus trip where you can view our live availability and submit your booking request.

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We look forward to learning with your students this school year! If you have questions about scheduling, technology requirements, or selecting the best program for your classroom, please contact the Mote Education team—we're happy to help.

Welcome to our summer intern

 

Hello campers! My name is Cooper, I am an intern here at Mote over the summer. I will be helping Jason run this adventurous virtual camp we have set up for you all! When not at camp, I also help Jason with his educational livestreams with MARVEN! 

Moving to Florida from my home state Ohio, I recently graduated from Ringling College of Art and Design with a degree in film! I've worked on numerous movie sets both in and outside of class. I hope to continue working on movies in Florida for the next few years before making the jump to LA. One of my favorite movies is Guardians of the Galaxy. I also love ocean life and have been taking photos of sea animals since I was young. My favorite sea animal is the Leafy Sea Dragon. I am so excited to be your virtual counselor this summer! 

Celebrate World Oceans Day on Monday, June 8, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT.

Join us for a one-hour live online lecture and Q&A exploring Sharks After "Jaws" — Science, Myths & Conservation.

In the second lecture of this three-part series, sharks are examined through the lens of science, media and conservation. Since the release of "Jaws," sharks have often been portrayed as dangerous predators rather than vital components of healthy ocean ecosystems. Join Jason Robertshaw, certified Florida Master Naturalist and Program Manager at Mote Marine Laboratory, as he explores how public perception shifted in the film’s aftermath and how scientists have worked to counter misconceptions through research and conservation. Drawing on Mote’s involvement in the Global FinPrint project, this lecture explores how shark populations have changed worldwide, why many species are now threatened and how these global data sets inform modern conservation strategies.

This lecture is the first in a series presented through Road Scholar.

• Sharks After "Jaws" — Science, Myths & Conservation
  Monday, June 8, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT
• Live from the Shark Habitat — Inside Mote Aquarium
  Monday, July 20, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT

Cost: $25 per lecture

This live online experience uses Zoom Webinar. Participants will not appear on screen but may submit questions live through the Q&A feature. Unless otherwise noted, registration includes access to the live event and a recording available for two weeks after the lecture.

Register: roadscholar.org/find-an-adventure/25720/Online-Lecture-Sharks-After--Jaws-Science-Myths-Conservation

Road Scholar: Dr. Eugenie Clark — The Shark Lady

Celebrate the 104th birthday of Dr. Eugenie Clark, The Shark Lady, on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT.

Join us for a one-hour live online lecture and Q&A exploring her remarkable life, groundbreaking research, and lasting legacy.

We will highlight Clark’s pioneering fieldwork, her early efforts to establish Cape Haze Marine Laboratory, and her enduring influence on the growth of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium.

In honor of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, this lecture also recognizes Dr. Clark as a pioneering Japanese American scientist and educator whose work continues to inspire new generations of shark researchers.

This lecture is the first in a three-part series presented through Road Scholar.

• Sharks After "Jaws" — Science, Myths & Conservation (#25720)
  Monday, June 8, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT
• Live from the Shark Habitat — Inside Mote Aquarium (#25721)
  Monday, July 20, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. PT

Cost: $25 per lecture

This live online experience uses Zoom Webinar. Participants will not appear on screen but may submit questions live through the Q&A feature. Unless otherwise noted, registration includes access to the live event and a recording available for two weeks after the lecture.

Register: roadscholar.org/find-an-adventure/25719/Online-Lecture-Dr-Eugenie-Clark-The-Shark-Lady

Still Making Waves: The Legacy of Mote's Shark Lady Lives On for a New Generation (reposted)

The story of Mote Marine Laboratory begins with Dr. Eugenie Clark, a pioneering scientist whose curiosity reshaped how the world understands sharks. Known as the "Shark Lady," Dr. Clark challenged fear-based narratives, demonstrated that sharks are intelligent and ecologically vital, and built a culture of science grounded in both rigor and accessibility. Her belief that discovery should be shared widely remains central to Mote's mission today, shaping how research and education reach learners of all ages.

Over the past 30 years, that vision has grown into a robust distance learning program connecting classrooms and communities directly with scientists, educators, and living marine systems. This work reached a new milestone with the opening of the Mote Science Education Aquarium, a one-of-a-kind experiential learning facility featuring expansive exhibits holding over a million gallons of seawater alongside dedicated STEM teaching and workforce development labs. Designed to serve tens of thousands of students each year, the facility stands at the intersection of research, education, and community engagement. Just as importantly, the vision it represents extends far beyond its walls.

That is where Mote's Virtual Focus Trips play a critical role, translating the energy and authenticity of the aquarium into live, interactive virtual sessions. Learners are brought face-to-face with marine animals and the biologists who care for and study them, creating opportunities for connection that mirror the depth of an in-person visit. Mote’s SEA Me Read series deepens that connection further still, pairing science-rich picture books with direct observation of living marine animals at Mote SEA. Educators read aloud while the real science unfolds in the habitat behind them. Story and science blend together.

On May 5, the day after what would have been Dr. Clark's 104th birthday and during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, that blending becomes something special. Mote educators will read Swimming With Sharks: The Daring Discoveries of Eugenie Clark by Heather Lang live from the top of the Florida Gulf Coast Observation Deck, looking out over a 385,000-gallon shark habitat. Dr. Clark's story unfolds above the water as the sharks move below it. (Event registration here)

What makes this program resonate even further during AAPI Heritage Month is the opportunity to elevate Dr. Clark's identity as a Japanese-American scientist at a time when few women, and even fewer women of color, were recognized in the field. Sharing her story in this context invites learners to consider not only what she discovered, but who she was and the barriers she overcame. It connects her legacy to a broader conversation about representation, access, and what becomes possible when curiosity is supported and encouraged.

One kindergarten teacher put it plainly: "My students were thinking that sharks were man-eating animals before this program. They were not curious about them, their perception was they were scary. Now they think they are important to the environment and cool." That shift, from fear to understanding, is at the heart of what Dr. Clark worked to achieve throughout her life.

For CILC audiences, SEA Me Read demonstrates how virtual learning can carry genuine weight. It honors scientific legacy, centers a trailblazing Asian American woman scientist, and gives learners access to the stories that shape how we understand and care for the ocean. Mote's broader suite of Virtual Focus Trips extends this same spirit across programs and audiences, from live animal encounters to workforce explorations and science-based storytelling experiences. You can find out more about their programs by visiting their CILC page here.

Dr. Clark's curiosity opened a door. Programs like SEA Me Read ensure that the door remains open for generations of learners to come.

CILC updates

An important update. We have consolidated our approximately 30 program listings on the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration down to five core listings. Maintaining a large number of separate listings has become difficult to manage both on our website and on CILC.

Each CILC listing now links to the full program details on our website, including standards alignments, supplemental resources, and learning objectives.

When booking through CILC, customers should indicate their specific program choice in the “Additional Information for Content Provider to Know” field during the booking process.

If this causes any issues for you or you have any questions, please let us know.

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1. SEA Me Read - Fiction, K-5
https://www.cilc.org/ContentProvider/Program.aspx?id=10254

• Smiley Shark (by Ruth Galloway, Tiger Tales)
• Clumsy Crab (by Ruth Galloway, Tiger Tales)
• Shark Baby (by Ann Downer, illustrated by Shennen Bersani, Arbordale)
• If a Dolphin Were a Fish (by Loran Wlodarski, illustrated by Shennen Bersani, Arbordale)
• Alfie: (The Turtle That Disappeared) (by Thyra Heder, Abrams Books for Young Readers)

2. SEA Me Read - Nonfiction, K-5
https://www.cilc.org/ContentProvider/Program.aspx?id=10255

• Next Time You See a Pill Bug (by Emily Morgan, NSTA Kids)
• Next Time You See a Seashell (by Emily Morgan, NSTA Kids)
• Next Time You See a Snowflake (by Emily Morgan, NSTA Kids)
• Swimming with Sharks: The Daring Discoveries of Eugenie Clark (by Heather Lang, illustrated by Jordi Solano, Albert Whitman & Company)
• Otto the Otter: A Big Surprise (by Linda Hansen)

3. Wonderful Animal Virtual Encounters (WAVE), 3-12+
https://www.cilc.org/ContentProvider/Program.aspx?id=10251

• Jellyfish Journey
• Coral Curiosity
• Octopus Odyssey
• Sharks Alive
• Seahorse Surprise
• Axolotl Waddle
• Turtle Tales
• Otters & Their Waters
• Manatee Marvels
• Penguin Plunge (Coming Soon)

4. Mote Science Talk, 6-12+
https://www.cilc.org/ContentProvider/Program.aspx?id=10253

• Ocean Innovations: Discover marine-based medicines, methods to combat harmful algal blooms, and autonomous vehicles used for ocean monitoring.
• Toxins and Tides: Explore the biology of red tide and the high-tech sensors used to track and mitigate these blooms.
• Coral Conservation: Learn how Mote is restoring coral reefs through pioneering research and restoration.
• Hatchery to Habitat: Examine the science of sustainable aquaculture and how it supports the restoration of wild fisheries.
• Marine Life Matters: Investigate the biodiversity of our oceans and how Mote’s research protects vulnerable marine species like sharks, sea turtles, and manatees.
• Marine Mammals: Dive into the critical work of rescuing and rehabilitating manatees, dolphins, and more.

We will also launch a new high school/college series next month but you can book now.

5. Workforce Industry STEM Explorations (WISE)
https://www.cilc.org/ContentProvider/Program.aspx?id=10252

#VirtualLearning #VirtualFieldTrips #STEMEducation

📬 Keep in Touch

• 📧 Send questions or stories to marven@mote.org
• 📰 Subscribe to our newsletter for MARVEN program updates
• ▶️ Explore more on our YouTube channel

Zoom in. Focus together. Wonder around.™

A masterclass to create quality live virtual encounters

A recent partner described Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium's model of virtual field trips as “a very useful masterclass for every organization working to create quality live virtual encounters.”

Why the Model Works

They highlighted how curated graphics were seamlessly integrated with the presenter and a live axolotl camera, and how time was intentionally taken to geographically orient learners—starting with a zoomed-out view of Earth and moving all the way to ground level. Context matters, especially for young virtual learners.

They also noted the importance of strong production values: clear video and audio, a presenter who balanced subject-matter authority with genuine enthusiasm, and careful pacing and planning. The result was described as the best-planned virtual event they have experienced in years.

Impact on Learners

Just as meaningful was the impact on students. The program integrated science with etymology, geography, and related disciplines, creating space for curiosity and joy. Learners from both urban and rural communities participated together in a shared experience.

Virtual field trips are not just about streaming content. When done well, they are about connection, context, and equity in access to high-quality learning.

See It in Action

If you would like to experience this approach firsthand, you can sign up for a free Axolotl Waddle WAVE on Saturday, May 2, in celebration of #SalamanderSaturday and #SuncoastRemakeDays2026.

Grateful to our Minnesota families for the thoughtful reflection and for trusting Mote to learn alongside their students, and to the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration (CILC) for making the connection.

#VirtualLearning #VirtualFieldTrips #STEMEducation #Axolotl

📬 Keep in Touch

• 📧 Send questions or stories to marven@mote.org
• 📰 Subscribe to our newsletter for MARVEN program updates
• ▶️ Explore more on our YouTube channel

Zoom in. Focus together. Wonder around.™

SEA & Do lifelong learning workshops

These workshops invite adult learners to explore marine science through focused in-person lessons and hands-on experiences led by Mote education professionals. Sessions combine clear, engaging instruction with practical activities that deepen understanding of species identification, animal biology, and human impacts. Each class also features insights from Mote experts whose research connects directly to the day’s topic, creating an active learning environment that supports both skill building and community connection.

🐠 Art & Science of Reef Fish Ecology

January 16, 2026,⋅2:00 – 5:00pm

Discover the art and science of reef fish at Mote SEA. This new adult lifelong learning program blends a short reef ecology talk with hands-on iNaturalist training and a simple fish-printing activity. Learn how to observe, identify, and document species in our exhibits, then create your own reef-inspired print to take home. Space is limited for this small-group learning experience.

We will meet at:

📍Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA)

225 University Town Center Drive

Sarasota, FL 34243

🅿️ Free parking in the Mote SEA lot.

🧾 Print out and bring your ticket to show at the entrance.

🌴 Meet in the Marine Ecology Teaching Lab right by the entry atrium.

• 2:00–2:45 Reef Fish Printing Project and Ecology Presentation with Jason Robertshaw
• 2:45–3:15 The Art & Science of Animal Data - How ZIMS Supports Animal Care, Research, and Conservation with Matt Seguin
• 3:30–4:15 Intro to iNaturalist and Community Science with Sean Patton
• 4:15–5:00 Tour Mote SEA and use the app 

Before you arrive, please take a few minutes to prepare:

▶️ Watch the short intro video ( https://youtu.be/D8Tma8_64hE ) 

Download and install iNaturalist on your mobile device:

iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/inaturalist/id6475737561

Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.inaturalist.android

Additional program details are available here:

https://mote.org/event/sea-do-lifelong-learning-workshops/2026-01-16/

 

FMSEA 2026 Annual Conference, April 23 to 26, 2026 in Fort Pierce, Florida

 

"Everyone is an explorer. How could you possibly live your life looking at a door and not open it?”

— Robert “Bob” Ballard

The #FMSEA2026 conference registration is now open.

This year’s theme, Connecting the Dots, celebrates the many meaningful connections we make as marine science educators. We hope you’ll join us for a weekend of professional development, networking, and unforgettable experiences.

📍 Fort Pierce, Florida

📅 April 23–26, 2026

🆕 New this year: Student Poster Session at the Friday SciCafe, open to undergraduate and graduate students.

The conference will feature voices from across Florida’s marine science and education community.

Hosted by the Florida Marine Science Educators Association (FMSEA) in partnership with Florida Atlantic Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute

🔗 Learn more and register: sites.google.com/fmsea.org/welcome/conference/2026-conference

Key Dates:

• Early Bird: $199 (1/5/26 - 3/1/26)
• Standard: $235 (3/2/26 - 4/10/26)
• Extended: $305 (4/11/26 - 4/20/26)
• Note there will be no on-site registration this year!

Free Axolotl Waddle WAVE on 5/2/2026

Tickets are now available for our free virtual Axolotl Waddle WAVE on May 2 @ 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

🎟️ Free registration here! 

Wade into the watery world of axolotls and their amphibian friends during this Wonderful Animal Virtual Encounter. Get up close with our ambassador animals as we explore their fascinating life cycles and unique adaptations. Discover how these endangered species thrive in human care as vital partners in research and in ongoing efforts to restore their natural habitats.

Bring your curiosity and questions for this live encounter, part of #SalamanderSaturday and #SuncoastRemakeDays2026.

📬 Keep in Touch

• 📧 Send questions or stories to marven@mote.org
• 📰 Subscribe to our newsletter for MARVEN program updates
• ▶️ Explore more on our YouTube channel

Zoom in. Focus together. Wonder around.™

New Year, New Mote-ivational Science Lectures!

Mote-ivational Science Lectures are back and expanded for 2026. For the first time, this signature lecture series now includes a new program hosted at Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA).

Join scientists from Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium as they share current research, fieldwork, and innovations. Topics span coral reef restoration, marine animal health, red tide research, sustainable fisheries, and more.

• Monday, January 5, 2026
  Dr. Kirstie Tandberg Francis
  PharmaSEA: Marine Natural Products Research at Mote Marine Laboratory

• Monday, January 12, 2026
  Dr. Erinn Muller
  Hope in the Rubble: Florida’s Resilient Corals and Banking for Future Reef Recovery

• Monday, January 19, 2026
  Dr. Jake LaSala
  Sea Turtle Research on Florida’s Gulf Coast

• Monday, January 26, 2026
  Dr. Ryan Schloesser
  Sustainability Through Fisheries Ecology and Stock Enhancement Science

RSVP for the Virtual Mote-ivational Science Lecture Series

Members are free. Non-members: $5.

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📬 Keep in Touch

• 📧 Send questions or stories to marven@mote.org
• 📰 Subscribe to our newsletter for MARVEN program updates
• ▶️ Explore more on our YouTube channel

Zoom in. Focus together. Wonder around.™

Paid Internship with our Virtual Learning Programs this Summer

Interns from Suncoast Technical College help with our mangrove livestream, February 2025

Environmental Discovery Awards Program (EDAP) 2026: Summer Internship Opportunities

Applications are now open for students to apply for paid summer internships through the Environmental Discovery Awards Program (EDAP). EDAP provides high-quality, paid experiential learning opportunities for students with an interest in science, environmental studies, education, and related fields.

To participate in EDAP, students must:

1. Be enrolled in Spring 2025 courses at one of the following institutions:
   • New College of Florida
   • State College of Florida, Manatee–Sarasota
   • The Ringling / Florida State University
   • Ringling College of Art + Design
   • University of South Florida Sarasota–Manatee Campus
2. Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and be in good academic standing.
3. Demonstrate financial need, either as a Pell Grant recipient during the 2024 academic year or through other substantiated financial need.
4. Be enrolled in science and environmental studies programs or demonstrate interest in environmental studies.

Member organizations of the Science and Environment Council of Southwest Florida, along with additional partner organizations, are offering a range of summer field and professional internships as part of the 2026 EDAP cohort.

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Featured Internship: STEMVentures with Mote – Livestreaming Summer Science
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

Organization Mission
Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium advances marine and environmental sciences to support new discoveries, revitalization, sustainability, and greater public understanding of our oceans through innovative research, education, and outreach.
Learn more about Mote’s mission

Project Overview
STEMVentures at Mote SEA is a summer internship focused on the live production of virtual STEM education programs using MARVEN (Mote Aquarium Roving Virtual Exhibit Navigator). Interns support livestreamed science experiences for virtual summer camps and partner programs, working both indoors at the Mote Science Education Aquarium and outdoors in field-based and behind-the-scenes research settings.

Internship Responsibilities

• Pre-Production and Partner Support: Assist with planning and coordination with virtual camp partners, including reviewing schedules, program goals, technical needs, and run-of-show plans.
• Livestream Setup and Live Production: Help set up and operate cameras, microphones, lighting, and mobile broadcast equipment. Support multi-camera workflows, signal flow and basic switching, assist with shot selection and camera movement, monitor audio, and troubleshoot in real time during live broadcasts in both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Chat Moderation and Audience Engagement: Assist with chat moderation and engagement, relay participant questions to on-camera educators, support interactive prompts or polls, and help maintain a positive, inclusive, and age-appropriate environment.
• Documentation and Post-Production: Assist with recording sessions, organizing and labeling media assets, and editing short video clips or highlight reels for educator follow-up, evaluation, and promotional use.
• Workflow Testing and Equipment Support: Help test and refine MARVEN livestream workflows, assist with basic equipment care and inventory, and support accessibility and clarity in live science communication.

Learning Outcomes

• Live Media Production Skills: Develop practical skills in livestream production, including camera operation, audio management, lighting, switching workflows, and real-time troubleshooting in both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Science Communication and Audience Engagement: Build effective science communication skills by supporting and participating in live and recorded programs, moderating livestream chat, engaging virtual audiences, and, when appropriate, serving as on-camera talent for STEM education.
• Professional Workflow and Collaboration: Gain experience working within a professional education and media production team by coordinating with virtual camp partners, following run-of-show plans, documenting workflows, and delivering real-world project outcomes on schedule.

Qualifications

• Program Eligibility: Must be a current student enrolled in an EDAP-approved school, with coursework or demonstrated interest in digital media, video production, broadcasting, communications, education, or a related field.
• Interest in Livestream Production and STEM Education: Strong interest in livestreaming, video production, digital storytelling, or interactive media, along with an interest in supporting STEM, environmental, or science education programs for youth audiences.
• Technical Aptitude and Willingness to Learn: Basic familiarity with cameras, audio equipment, computers, or media software is preferred but not required. Must be willing to learn new equipment, follow established workflows, and troubleshoot in live broadcast settings.
• Communication Skills and Professional Conduct: Ability to communicate clearly, follow instructions, and work calmly in a live, fast-paced environment. Professional behavior is required when interacting with staff, educators, partners, and K–6 audiences.
• On-Camera or Behind-the-Scenes Participation: Willingness to work either on camera or behind the scenes based on aptitude and program needs.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Ability to work effectively as part of a small production and education team, accept feedback, and contribute to shared goals and real-time problem solving.
• Scheduling and Physical Requirements: Availability during scheduled summer virtual camp sessions, rehearsals, and preparation times. Ability to work both indoors and outdoors, stand for extended periods, carry light equipment, and move safely through aquarium and field-based environments.
• Background Check and Fingerprinting: Must successfully complete required background screening and fingerprinting for educational programs involving children, in accordance with Mote policies and partner requirements.
• Alignment with Mote’s Mission: Interest in marine science, wildlife care, conservation, or informal science education, and willingness to represent Mote professionally during live and recorded programs.

Hours, Dates, and Location

• Schedule: 15–30 hours/week for 10 weeks
• Dates: May 20 – August 7
• Location: On-site at Mote City Island (1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL) and Mote Science Education Aquarium (225 University Town Center Drive, Sarasota, FL)

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Apply to EDAP
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeDT0LVwm7GWyBvKNrzjF2dzXmL151MtSNEke1jhFxsFo2bBg/viewform

View All Available Internship Opportunities
https://www.canva.com/design/DAGZrBDRKS8/2h0awpxiadYjYr6KlgxECA/view

Application Deadline
February 13 at 11:59 PM

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📬 Keep in Touch

• 📧 Send questions (or answers) to marven@mote.org
• 📰 Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on MARVEN programming
• ▶️ Explore more on our YouTube channel

Zoom in. Focus together. Wonder around.™

Youth Ocean Conservation Summit 2025

Ready to take action for our blue planet? The Youth Ocean Conservation Summit gives students the opportunity to become the next generation of ocean advocates. Since 2011, YOCS has connected young leaders with scientists, conservationists, and peers who are making real change for marine ecosystems around the world.

This year’s summit will take place at the new Mote Science Education Aquarium (SEA) on Saturday, November 15, 2025, featuring hands-on workshops, career insights, and time to design your own ocean conservation project.

🌊 Learn more and register: mote.org/education/programs/sarasota-youth-ocean-conservation-summit

📬 Keep in Touch

• 📧 Send questions (or answers) to marven@mote.org
• 📰 Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on MARVEN programming
• ▶️ Explore more on our YouTube channel

Zoom in. Focus together. Wonder around.™

Road Scholar: Online Lecture: Science of the Sea — Advancing Health and Ocean Research

Online Lecture: Science of the Sea — Advancing Health and Ocean Research

Join Road Scholar and Mote Marine Laboratory for an engaging online lecture exploring how marine science is driving innovation in medicine and technology. This one-hour session includes a live presentation, interactive Q&A, and access to a recording (available for two weeks after the event).

• Date: Wednesday, Oct. 15, 2025
• Time: 1 p.m. (ET) / 10 a.m. (PT)
• Length: 1 hour
• Cost: $25

Register today: https://www.roadscholar.org/find-an-adventure/25316/Online-Lecture-Science-of-the-Sea-Advancing-Health-and-Ocean-Research/dates/

Reviews from Past Participants

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — April 21, 2025

“The lecture was very informative and well presented. I enjoyed the bingo cards shared before the lecture, which helped focus my attention. I learned a lot about coral ecosystems and the conservation work and research being done to preserve them, which was very encouraging. I hope to visit Mote when I am next in Florida.”

– Elizabeth

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ — July 9, 2025

“Whenever I see Jason Robertshaw as a presenter I sign up for the program. He is a wonderful, knowledgeable teacher. He doesn’t add slang and speaks directly to us the audience. He covers everything he has set out to impart and makes no excuses for not getting to more or running out of time. One feels he has covered everything.”

– Participant

Back Into the Swim of Things for Dot Day

 

Back Into the Swim of Things for Dot Day

Celebrate #InternationalDotDay with Mote Marine Laboratory in this creative, interactive program. Inspired by The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds, we explored the vibrant world of the ocean to discover the dazzling patterns and colors of marine life. Students found out how fish and other sea creatures use spots, stripes, and camouflage to thrive beneath the waves. Then, we wrapped up with a guided art activity where everyone created their own ocean-themed masterpiece.

• 🎥 Watch the recording here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaeLU1wEtPA
• 🌊 Learn more about our virtual programs: https://sites.google.com/mote.org/virtualfocustrips/free/sept-dot-day

📬 Keep in Touch

• 📧 Send questions (or answers) to marven@mote.org
• 📰 Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on MARVEN programming
• ▶️ Explore more on our YouTube channel

Zoom in. Focus together. Wonder around.™