WISE programs offer a virtual look into the STEM careers that power modern aquarium science, conservation, and marine research at the Mote Science Education Aquarium. Each one hour session connects students with working professionals, showcases real tools and technologies used across veterinary care, coral restoration, fisheries and aquaculture research, and sustainable aquarium operations, and highlights how data, problem solving, and hands-on skills shape daily decisions in these fields. Through live camera views, practical examples, and discussion of training pathways, volunteer roles, and internship opportunities, students gain insight into the wide range of workforce options available in zoos, aquariums, and marine science programs while exploring how they can begin building skills for future STEM careers.
Booking is easy—Pick the topic you'd like to learn about, then choose your preferred booking method (credit card or invoice), and select a date and time. Join with a single secure link.
📧 Email: marven@mote.org
📞 Call: 941-388-2904
These program features live animals. Mote is proud to be accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and has met rigorous, professional standards for animal care, wildlife conservation and research, education and more.
Programs are available Monday–Friday, 9:00 am–5:30 pm ET. After-hours and weekend sessions may be arranged for an additional fee.
Encounters should be booked at least three weeks in advance so we can coordinate with workforce staff. Scheduling may be affected by weather or veterinary priorities.
For Educators: select a topic to access educational standards, vocabulary, and supporting resources. Designed to save you time on lesson prep.
Inspiring for learners of all ages, but best for: grades 9–12, adult lifelong learners, homeschool groups, learning pods, and public libraries.
Explore how Mote’s veterinary teams support marine animals through both in-house husbandry and field-based rescue, rehabilitation, and release. Live demonstrations feature diagnostic tools, treatment procedures, and health assessments used with a range of species, while discussions with veterinarians and animal care technicians provide insight into clinical reasoning and workflow. Students see how aquatic medicine blends biology, technology, and teamwork to safeguard animal health.
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Visit the Coral Reef Workforce Development Lab to observe researchers studying coral responses to heat, disease, and environmental stress. Students see how scientists identify resilient genotypes, monitor coral health, and prepare fragments for propagation and restoration. The session highlights the investigative and analytical approaches that drive coral conservation and restoration ecology.
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Discover how Mote advances sustainable seafood production and fisheries recovery using land-based aquaculture and integrated aquaponics systems. Students observe experimental tanks, monitoring instruments, feeding trials, and aquatic plant components that support research on fish and shellfish growth and resilience. The session introduces agri-science and system-design concepts central to modern aquaculture and marine resource management.
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Observe the conservation-focused husbandry work behind a functioning aquarium system. Students see jellyfish, rotifer and brine shrimp production, and other live-food cultures. The session also highlights life-support operations, water-quality analysis, and sustainable methods that contribute to responsible animal care within AZA-accredited facilities.
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Our EdExploreSRQ listings are eligible for funding from the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, as well as the Education Foundation of Sarasota County.
SWFWMD Splash! Grants. Virtual Focus Trips from Mote are Approved Field Studies Programs.
Up to $3,000 per teacher for freshwater issues. Public and charter K–12 are eligible.