Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Education & Resources

Off-Site Programs

Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s off-site programs are designed with your classroom in mind. These programs enrich student experiences by providing hands-on learning environments. Expand upon daily classroom curriculum with a visit from one of CMA’s education staff members.

Available
Year Round
Time
Please schedule your off-site program at least one month in advance.
Pricing
$100 for the first program and $50 for each additional program scheduled the same day at the same site; PLUS mileage within 40 miles of Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Tips for Booking
Book at least one month in advance. A mileage fee applies to all off-site programs. All fees are waived for Pinellas County schools during Great American Teach-In. All off-site programs are limited to 50 participants per session.
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A hands-on way to bring CMA to your classroom

A hands-on way to bring CMA to your classroom CMA’s Off-Site Programs are designed with your classroom in mind. These programs provide students with hands-on learning opportunities to enrich their educational experience. Expand upon daily classroom curriculum with a visit from one of CMA’s education staff members.

Available Programs

CMA – A working Animal Hospital

Grade: K–ADULT

Learn about the behind-the-scenes work of Clearwater Marine Aquarium from our education staff as we visit your school or other venue for an educational presentation all about Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s efforts in marine life preservation. Watch videos of recent rescue efforts and learn about the growth of our facility since the production of Dolphin Tale and Dolphin Tale 2.

Dolphin Deputies

Grade: Pre K-5th

Students discover the positive and negative impact humans can have on the oceans and coastal environments through the stories of our resident animal ambassadors. We will discuss ocean hazards and play “Scan your Can” – a recycling game that focuses on how sorting garbage can help save the planet. By the end of the program, each class member will be dubbed a “Dolphin Deputy.”

No Bones About It

Grade: K–ADULT

This program focuses on invertebrates. Learn all about the Gulf of Mexico’s smaller inhabitants that call CMA home through this hands-on look at sea stars, crabs, and sea urchins. The program will focus on describing these animals using our five senses, comparing and contrasting locomotion modalities, and discussing survival adaptations. Participants can apply what they have learned by touching some of these creatures to see how these spineless animals have adapted to live on our ocean floor.

Sea Turtle Biology and Nesting

Grade: K-Adult
CMA works to protect sea turtle nests up and down Pinellas County’s coasts. Learn all about the loggerhead sea turtle life cycle. Examine the anatomy of the sea turtle, including hands-on time with real turtle shells and skulls. Discover ways we can all contribute to sea turtle conservation in this interactive program.

Manatee Moments

GRADE: 4th-ADULT
Discover a deeper understanding of the Florida manatee and the threats they face. Learn how scientists identify manatees while tracking their population’s distribution throughout their environment. Explore the role that the CMA Research Institute plays in the conservation of the species through their research efforts in the U.S., Cuba, and Belize.

Coral Connections

GRADE: K-ADULT
Dive into the mesmerizing world of coral reefs and conservation with our educational program led by a marine biologist from Clearwater Marine Aquarium! Join us as we discuss the intricate lives of corals and learn about their vital role in marine ecosystems. Discover the challenges facing these fragile ecosystems and explore the innovative conservation efforts underway to protect them.

Ready to Rescue

GRADE: PRE-K-ADULT
How does our rescue team care for sick and injured marine life? Learn about the specialized care we provide for animals in need of assistance. Work together as a team to walk through the steps of a rescue with one of our marine biologists.

Marine Animal Safety

GRADE: 9th-ADULT
Human activities can often be detrimental to wild animal health and survival. As a working marine animal hospital, Clearwater Marine Aquarium often aids in the rescue, rehab, and potential release of wildlife that has faced negative impacts of human actions. The program will use real-life stories of CMA hospital patients to share ways in which humans can make a positive change in the protection of marine animals.

Shark Biology and Conservation

GRADE: K-ADULT
Get to know the ocean’s most misunderstood carnivores by learning about their unique adaptations and role in the food chain. This program will also review major human threats to wild populations and ways that we can make shark-conscious decisions.

Marine Mammal Biology and Conservation

GRADE: 9TH-ADULT
Learn all about Florida’s favorite marine mammals – the bottlenose dolphin and the West Indian manatee. In this program, CMA Biologist will explore basic biology and physiology of these animals as well as the ways humans can help conserve wild
populations.
Dreaming of going on an ocean expedition or working at a marine animal hospital? CMA’s recurring program series are designed to offer a multi-week educational experience that explore these possibilities and more. These programs are a great fit for after-school learning opportunities or summer camps looking to enrich their curriculum. Led by a CMA biologist, students will have the opportunity to take part in hands-on learning experiences and learn about a wide variety of topics in marine science.
Available
Year round
Time
Call the Education Department to schedule at 727-441-1790 x2270
Grade
K-12
Prices
Call Education Department for pricing information at 727-441-1790 x2270
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OCEAN EXPLORATION

GRADE: K-5
Ever wonder what it would be like to lead an expedition and discover a new species? Discover the many ocean habitats found around the world, and learn about the animals that inhabit them with Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s after-school program.
Each week students will travel deeper and deeper into the ocean as they go on their very own ocean expedition. Design an exploration vehicle then create a creature that is adapted to the new environment. Get up close and personal with CMA touch tank invertebrates and bio facts as students learn about sea urchins, dolphins, sea turtles, and more during their exploration.

TIDES OF TALENT

GRADE: K-5
Animals have their own special talents called adaptations that help them to be well-suited to their environment. Explore marine animal adaptations with Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s program series. Each week, a new animal’s talent will be showcased through educational crafts and activities. Discover dancing seahorses and singing blue whales. Learn about CMA’s resident animals and how they were able to make movie magic.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF…

GRADE: 6-12
What is it like to work at a marine animal hospital? This after-school program will showcase the many different career paths within Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Students will explore a wide variety of beneficial skills and discover the next steps they should take if they want to pursue to careers in a working animal hospital. Learn about Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s research and conservation programs, education, animal husbandry, and many more departments that help promote the mission of preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit.