Families, homeschool students, teachers and aspiring marine scientists across the Florida Keys will have expanded opportunities to explore marine science through a variety of educational programs offered by Mote Marine Laboratory.
Lower Keys Education Manager for Mote Marine Laboratory Jade Bosco joined Good Morning Keys on Keys Talk 96.9/102.5FM this morning to talk about what’s going on at the lab.
The nonprofit organization has a growing educational outreach, including homeschool classes, classroom visits, field experiences and volunteer opportunities.
Beginning in August, Mote’s fall homeschool semester will offer twice-monthly classes at its Summerland Key facility for students ages 8 to 15. The hands-on programs focus on coral reef biology, ecology and STEM education, allowing students to work alongside researchers in Mote’s laboratories while participating in science experiments and conservation projects.
Bosco said students gain firsthand experience caring for coral and marine life while learning the scientific methods used to restore Florida’s reefs.
In addition to homeschool programming, Mote offers free public tours every Tuesday at 10 a.m. at its Summerland Key campus, along with behind-the-scenes experiences, snorkeling excursions, kayak tours and classroom outreach programs for schools throughout the Florida Keys.
Teachers can also arrange customized educational presentations aligned with Florida science standards or schedule field trips to the laboratory.
One of Mote’s signature educational experiences allows participants ages 12 and older to learn the laboratory’s internationally recognized coral microfragmentation technique. Visitors help create small coral fragments that are grown and eventually transplanted onto Florida reefs as part of ongoing restoration efforts.
Bosco also encouraged local students and educators to participate in Mote’s BleachWatch program, which trains volunteers to identify and report signs of coral bleaching while enjoying the waters of the Florida Keys.
Beyond youth programming, Mote offers paid internships for undergraduate and graduate students interested in marine science careers, along with long-term volunteer opportunities that include coral care and scientific diving.
Bosco, originally from the United Kingdom, said she previously managed a coral nursery in Thailand before joining Mote Marine Laboratory in the Florida Keys. She said Florida’s strong community commitment to protecting coral reefs drew her to the region.
Registration for the fall homeschool semester opens July 15. Additional information about educational programs, tours and volunteer opportunities is available through Mote Marine Laboratory’s website here: https://mote.org/