Program Description
|
|
Ocean Adventures for All Ages
Would you like to learn more about what marine biologists study? On select Saturday mornings throughout the year, we explore the animals and ecosystems that fascinate Mote scientists, and the research techniques they've developed! The Behind-the-Science program is hands-on: you might be in the water collecting marine animals, on a boat observing dolphin behavior, or getting dirty creating artificial reef structures.
Artificial Reefs Sea Turtle Rehab Skate Biology
Who This program is appropiate for a wide audience: adults, college students, high school students, and families with kids aged six and older. (Kids under the age of 14 should be accompanied by an adult.) Kids under the age of six are welcome to attend with their families, but please note that the activities will not be appropiate for their learning needs.
When Select Saturdays from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. (Sign in begins at 9:45 a.m.) Scroll down for a detailed schedule.
Where Behind-the-Science programs meet in the Marine Education Resource Center (MERC) unless otherwise noted on the schedule below.
Registration Pre-registration is required
|
Ages 6 - Adult
•
Select Saturdays
10 a.m. - noon
•
Pre-registration required.
|
|
Two great ways to experience Behind the Science:
1. Join us for 1 program - $10 members/ $12 non-members
2. Sign up for any 3 programs at a 10 % discount - $27 members/ $33 non-members
|
| |
Session Topics
|
2009 Dates
|
|
Spineless Sea What do giant squid and queen conch have in common? Dissect a squid to find out! Classify animals through hands-on activities and visit our giant squid Molly Mollusk in the Aquarium to learn her story.
|
March 1 |
|
Aquacritters Using dip nets, core samplers, and seine nets, we'll explore the sand and seagrass beds to discover the animals that live in Sarasota Bay.
|
April 2
|
|
Coastal Clean-up Meet us at Turtle Beach on Siesta Key to do your part in sea turtle conservation. Sea turtles are often injured when they accidentally ingest plastic bags and other debris. Help us clean up the beach and protect sea turtles during nesting season!
|
May 30
|
|
Kayaking and Collecting Learn basic kayaking skills, including maneuvers, paddle strokes, signals, and etiquette. Practice your new talents on the flatwaters of Sarasota Bay. We'll also use collection equipment to find creatures that live in and among the sand and seagrasses.
|
June 20
|
|
What in the World is Gyotaku? Nature artist Heather Fortner will teach participants the Japanese art of gyotaku (fish printing) - a great way to pair art and marine science! Learn about the morphology of fishes and how fish reveal themselves through the process of gyotaku. Please bring a plain T-shirt or pillowcase for each person in your group. Be prepared for a messy art project.
|
July 11
|
|
Aquacritters Using dip nets, core samplers, and seine nets, we'll explore the sand and seagrass beds to discover the animals that live in Sarasota Bay. Please come prepared for water work.
|
August 22
|
|
Kayaking and Collecting Due to the high demand for our June Behind the Science program, we're offering another kayaking and field sampling workshop. Learn basic kayaking skills, including maneuvers, paddle strokes, signals, and etiquette. Practice your new talents on the flatwaters of Sarasota Bay. We'll also use collection equipment to find creatures that live in and among the sand and seagrasses. All kayaking equipment (single kayaks, paddles, personal flotation devices, etc.) will be provided and all skill levels are welcome. **For this particular program, minimum age requirement is 11 years old. Please come prepared for water work with bathing suits and closed-toe/closed heel shoes (aqua socks, Crocs, water shoes, old tennis shoes).**
Register for this Kayaking program: Download Program Request Form. |
September 5
|
|
Dolphin Detection Join Mote staff aboard the Sarasota Bay Explorer to learn about the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program. The world's longest running wild dolphin research program has informed us greatly on Sarasota dolphin populations and beyond. Find out how Mote scientists use field observations to help protect these animals.
|
September 12
|
|
Become an Aquarist Think you have what it takes to be a professional aquarist? Want to learn how to care for your own home aquarium? Join us to learn about caring for marine critters in an aquarium environment. Please wear old clothes and shoes that can become very wet and very dirty.
|
October 10
|
Fishin' at the Farm Visit us at Mote's state-of-the-art Aquaculture Park. Fish on a lake, use microscopes to study freshwater larvae, and tour behind-the-scenes at our aquaculture facilities. **Please meet at Mote Aquaculture Park, 12300 Fruitville Road, Sarasota 34240. Tour and access to lake cover some rough terrain.**
|
November 14
|
Coasting Creatures Build your own plankton net and capture the smallest of ocean animals. Through microscope work, discover the mini-monsters that live within Sarasota Bay. Discussions of red tide are sure to ensue!
|
December 12
|
| |
|
| Registration Information |
Education Calendar
|
|
For a complete schedule: Download a Behind the Science 2009 Schedule.
Register for this program now: Download a Program Request Form (PDF).
Apply for a scholarship: Download our Scholarship Application Form (PDF).
*Due to the high demand for our limited amount of scholarship funds, we cannot currently offer program scholarships. Please check back often because we are in constant pursuit of scholarship funding. Thank you for your understanding.
|
Click image
|
|
Questions?
Check out our FAQs or contact us by phone at 941.388.4441, ext. 369, or by e-mail at educate@mote.org.
|
|
Cancellation Policy
There are no refunds for Mote Education programs unless Mote cancels the program. If you provide notice of cancellation more than 24 hours before the program begins, we will credit your payment to a future program. If you cancel within 24 hours of the program or fail to show up without giving notice, you will be charged in full for the program.
|