Off-Site Program Request Form

CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM – A WORKING MARINE ANIMAL HOSPITAL (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 the 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. Learn all about Winter the dolphin’s amazing story of survival – we’ll even bring one of Winter’s prosthetic tails for a hands-on, interactive experience. The maximum capacity for this program is 100 participants.

MANATEE MOMENTS (4th Grade-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. The maximum capacity for this program is 50 participants.

SEA TURTLE BIOLOGY AND NESTING (Pre K-Adult)

CMA works to protect sea turtle nests up and down Pinellas County’s coast. 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. The maximum capacity for this program is 50 participants.

NO BONES ABOUT IT! (K– 12th Grade)

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. The maximum capacity for this program is 50 participants.

CORAL CONNECTIONS (4th Grade-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. The maximum capacity for this program is 50 participants.

DOLPHIN DEPUTIES (Pre K-5th Grade)

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.” The maximum capacity for this program is 50 participants.

READY TO RESCUE (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. The maximum capacity for this program is 50 participants.

MARINE ANIMAL SAFETY: HUMAN INTERACTIONS IN A MARINE ENVIRONMENT (9TH GRADE-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. The maximum capacity for this program is 100 participants.

SHARK BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION (9TH GRADE-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.The maximum capacity for this program is 100 participants.

MARINE MAMMAL BIOLOGY AND CONSERVATION (9TH GRADE-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. The maximum capacity for this program is 100 participants.

OCEAN EXPLORATION (K-5TH GRADE)

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 biofacts as students learn about sea urchins, dolphins, sea turtles, and more during their exploration. The maximum capacity for this program is 15 participants for a 6- or 8-week program series.

TIDES OF TALENT (K-5TH GRADE)

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. The maximum capacity for this program is 15 participants for a 6- or 8-week program series.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF… (6TH-12TH GRADE)

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. The maximum capacity for this program is 15 participants for a 6- or 8-week program series.