Tuesday, August 26, 2025

About this blog

A media production studio setup with dual monitors, microphone, soundboard, video switcher, and lighting equipment.

This blog highlights Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium’s virtual learning programs and lifelong learning programs, offering resources, updates, and inspiration for learners of all ages. We regularly share new content about how Mote connects classrooms, libraries, homeschool groups, and lifelong learners with marine science through live, interactive Virtual Focus Trips.

Weekly Features

  • FMNP Field Sites: News and notes from our lifelong learning programs and Florida environments through the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP).
  • MARVEN: Updates about our live, interactive Virtual Focus Trips™, including new Wonderful Virtual Animal Encounters (WAVE)™ and behind-the-scenes connections from the new Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA).
  • Endless Oceans: Professional development and lifelong learning resources for educators, naturalists, and community science partners.
  • SEA Me Read: STEM storybook reviews, read-aloud program highlights, and literacy activities that blend storytelling and science.
  • STEMventures: Independent online learning experiences for homeschool groups, curious families, and learners of all ages who want to explore ocean science on their own schedule.
  • Weekend Wonders: Photo journal showcasing the organisms featured in our programs, on exhibit at Mote, or researched by our scientists.

Virtual Learning at Mote

Mote has been a pioneer in interactive virtual learning for more than 30 years, beginning with the JASON Project in 1989 and continuing through our award-winning SeaTrek programs, Virtual Focus Trips, and free live-streamed events today. Our goal is to make marine science accessible, authentic, and interactive no matter where you are.

About MARVEN

One of the innovative ways we deliver programs is through the Mote Aquarium Roving Virtual Exhibit Navigator (MARVEN). MARVEN is a mobile livestreaming cart with cameras, microphones, and digital tools that allow our educators to connect directly from Mote SEA’s exhibits. Whether meeting sharks, otters, manatees, or coral scientists, MARVEN makes every program feel like a front-row experience.

Editor

The editor for this blog is Jason Robertshaw, Virtual Learning Programs and Lifelong Learning Programs Manager.

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Monday, August 25, 2025

FMNP Field Site Highlight: Mote Aquaculture Research Park

Mote Aquaculture Research Park campus

The Mote Aquaculture Research Park (MAP) was constructed in 2001 to pioneer the development of sustainable aquaculture technology. This research helps feed the world, restock depleted species, and supports the growth of a domestic aquaculture industry in the United States. Today, MAP continues to advance this critical effort while also hosting additional components of Mote Marine Laboratory’s mission.

Did you know? MAP spans an impressive 200 acres of land, including several freshwater wetland ecosystems. It also serves as one of our field sites for the Freshwater Systems classes with the Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP), where students explore the property’s ponds and hydric hammocks during guided hikes.

If you are a Florida Master Naturalist Program (FMNP) graduate, you are invited to join our current Freshwater Systems students on their final day of class. Celebrate with a presentation of their final projects, a potluck, and an exclusive tour of the Mote Aquaculture Research Park’s sustainable aquaculture projects.

  • SunCoast Friends of FMNP: Mote Aquaculture Research Park Tour
  • 📅 Monday, September 8, 2025
  • 🕐 1:00 – 3:00 PM EDT
  • Registration required. You must be a FMNP graduate to attend.

📬 Keep in Touch

Were you part of a past FMNP course at Mote? We’d love to hear your story.

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Saturday, August 23, 2025

Weekend Wonders: diamondback terrapins 🐢

Diamondback terrapin at Mote Aquarium. Photographer: Susie Carlo

Meet the diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin), a bedotted turtle that thrives in our estuaries.

What makes them unique?

Diamondback terrapins are the only turtle species in North America that live exclusively in brackish water, the places where fresh and saltwater mix. Their muscular legs and webbed toes make them excellent swimmers. Special glands near their eyes help them excrete excess salt, which allows them to adapt to changing salinity.

  • Size and appearance:
    • Females: Larger, averaging about 11 inches long, with shorter tails
    • Males: Smaller, reaching about 5.5 inches long
  • Weight: Typically 300 to 500 grams (10 to 17 ounces)
  • Diet: Mostly carnivores, terrapins feast on snails, crabs, oysters, scallops, mussels, fish, worms, and insects. Occasionally, they will nibble on plants.
  • Range and habitat: These turtles bask in salt marshes, mangroves, estuaries, and creeks along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts of North America. When temperatures drop, they bury themselves in mud at the bottom of waterways until spring warmth calls them back to the surface.
  • Conservation note: Diamondback terrapins are listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, which means their future depends on protecting their coastal habitats.


Celebrate Dots with Us on September 1, 2025 at 1:00 pm ET

Want to see a terrapin up close? Meet them during our free Dive into Dot Day event.

Inspired by The Dot by Peter H. Reynolds, this interactive program will celebrate the dazzling dots of our diamondback terrapins and the many patterns found in ocean life. Families, homeschoolers, learning pods, libraries, and elementary learners can join us to:

  • Discover how fish, turtles, and other sea creatures use spots, stripes, and camouflage
  • Explore the science of marine life with Mote educators
  • Create your own ocean-themed masterpiece in a guided art activity

🎨 How will you celebrate #InternationalDotDay?



📬 Keep in Touch

📧 Send questions to marven@mote.org
📰 Subscribe to our newsletter to get virtual learning updates

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Friday, August 22, 2025

Mapping a Meaningful Virtual Focus Trip with Mote Marine Laboratory

Mapping a Meaningful Virtual Focus Trip with Mote

Every great journey begins with a map. When you bring your learners on a Virtual Focus Trip™ with Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium, we want you to have the tools to make it both engaging and meaningful.

We’ve designed a simple planning guide to help you set goals, gather resources, prepare your learners, and reflect on the impact of your experience. Think of it as your compass for creating lasting learning moments.

The Four Steps of Your Learning Journey

  1. SCAN – What is the destination? Define your goals and expectations for the trip.
  2. ZOOM – How are we going to get there? Explore planning tools and learning resources to prepare your learners.
  3. FOCUS – What will we do during the trip? Connect your unit prep to clear learning objectives.
  4. REFLECT – What did we learn? Evaluate the experience and capture takeaways for future learning.

Get Started

Complete the online guide and receive a copy of your responses by email, making it easy to track your plans and revisit your reflections.

GLUE

Our thanks to Allyson Mitchell and the team at the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration for “GLUEing” us into this idea. We adapted their Goals, Unit Prep, Learning Resources, and Evaluation (G.L.U.E.) framework.

📬 Keep in Touch

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Thursday, August 21, 2025

Announcing SEA Me Read Plus

Collage featuring an octopus against a blue aquarium background with the Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium logo and a WAVE (Wonderful Animal Virtual Encounter) badge. To the right is the cover of the book Next Time You See a Seashell by Emily Morgan, positioned above the SEA Me Read badge. The image promotes a combined virtual program pairing marine science storytime with a live animal encounter.

SEA Me Read Plus

Save almost 20%—get twice the story, critters, and fun

Kick off the new school year with a smart start by combining reading, science, and live animals into one. Pair select SEA Me Read storytimes with companion Wonderful Animal Virtual Encounters (WAVE) for one unforgettable 60-minute session.

Each combo includes:

  • A 30-minute interactive story time
  • A 30-minute live animal encounter streamed from beside the exhibit at Mote SEA
  • One discounted price: $180 (regularly $222.22)
  • Book by credit card or by invoice.

Current combos include:

📬 Keep in Touch

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Wednesday, August 20, 2025

Bring the Ocean to Your Venue with Mote Science Talks

Audience seated in a darkened auditorium watching a live presentation from Mote Marine Laboratory’s Education Department. A large projection screen displays the title ‘Ocean Problem Solver’ with program details. A video camera in the foreground records the event, showing the same presentation on its small monitor.

Our Virtual Science Talks connect Grades 6–12 and lifelong learners with Mote Marine Laboratory’s cutting-edge research—live, interactive, and tailored for your audience.

Whether you teach marine biology, environmental science, or want to spark STEM curiosity, our professional speakers will lead your students through captivating, multimedia presentations on the marine science topic you choose.

Each program includes:

  • 40–60 minutes of engaging, lecture-style content
  • Stunning visuals and real research stories
  • Live Q&A with our experts

🐠 Why Learners Love It

“The lecture was very informative and well presented… I learned a lot about coral ecosystems and the conservation work and research being done to preserve them.”

– Elizabeth, Road Scholar

“Whenever I see Jason Robertshaw as a presenter I sign up… He is a wonderful, knowledgeable teacher.”

– Road Scholar Participant

📚 Topics to Choose From

Each talk highlights Mote’s research while connecting to real-world science and conservation challenges. Perfect for building critical thinking and NGSS-aligned discussions.

  • Ocean Innovations – Marine-based medicines, harmful algal bloom solutions, and autonomous ocean tech
  • Toxins and Tides – Red tide, microplastics, and climate change impacts
  • Coral Conservation – Reef restoration, ocean acidification, and marine biodiversity
  • Hatchery to Habitat – Sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, and ecosystem health
  • Marine Life Matters – Shark, sea turtle, manatee, and coral conservation
  • Marine Mammals and More… – Rescue and rehabilitation of endangered species
  • Oceans for All – The history and future of Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium

🗓️ Program Details

  • Cost: $180 per session
  • Format: Live via a secure link
  • Best for: Grades 6–12, homeschool groups, libraries, and learning pods

✏️ Teacher Tip

Request a topic that supports your current unit. We’ll connect your students to relevant vocabulary, educational standards, and additional learning resources to keep the conversation going after the program.

📬 Keep in Touch

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Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Meet M.A.R.V.E.N. – the Mote Aquarium Roving Virtual Exhibit Navigator

Collage of three photos showing MARVEN, Mote Aquarium’s mobile livestreaming cart

M.A.R.V.E.N. is a mobile livestreaming cart that connects learners of all ages to Mote’s science programs. Funded through a grant from the Sarasota Bay Estuary Program, M.A.R.V.E.N. brings live, interactive Virtual Focus Trips to classrooms and communities directly from our exhibit spaces.

Equipped with three cameras, microphone headsets, and a media player, MARVEN delivers a broadcast-quality experience without the shakiness of handheld video. Built on a professional production cart with pneumatic wheels that glide smoothly in any direction, MARVEN allows educators to roam freely from anywhere and answer real-time questions from students and lifelong learners.

As we prepare to open the new Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA), M.A.R.V.E.N. will play a key role in showcasing new exhibits, conservation work, and behind-the-scenes science.

FUN FACT: “Marven” is also a name with Old English and Welsh roots, meaning “sea friend.” It evokes loyalty and friendship, with its ocean-inspired origin suggesting an adventurous, free-spirited character.

📬 Keep in Touch

Zoom in. Focus together. Wonder around.™

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