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.

TAIL TALK (K– Adult)

Winter the dolphin is CMA’s most popular resident. Her amazing story of survival has inspired millions around the world. Discover the behind-the-scenes story of Winter’s rescue, get up-close and personal with Winter’s tail, and learn how her ongoing progress is benefitting people and animals across the globe. The maximum capacity for this program is 100 participants.

SEA TURTLE NESTING (PRE K– Adult)

CMA works to protect sea turtle nests up and down Pinellas County’s coastlines. 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. (Participants will have an interactive experience as we simulate the conservation efforts of our sea turtle staff.) 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.

FLIPPING FOR DOLPHINS (4th Grade- Adult)

Have a class full of future marine mammal trainers? Flipping for Dolphins focuses solely on the work done by CMA with our three resident Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. The program will discuss learned and natural behaviors and how psychology plays a role in animal care as we discuss the biography of each of CMA’s resident dolphins. Students will learn about training methods, operant conditioning, and positive reinforcement as they apply real training methodology in an interactive activity by “training” one another to do fun behaviors.The maximum capacity for this program is 50 participants.

DOLPHIN DEPUTIES (PRE K- 2nd 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.

BRINGING UP BABY (K- Adult)

What does it take to care for an orphaned dolphin or otter pup? This program focuses on the younger rescued animals at CMA and the extra special care needed for these animal babies. Participants will learn how scientists work together to create solutions to complex problems. Students will apply what they have learned by learning how to make dolphin formula and will view footage of our otter pups. Discover natural versus learned behaviors as the program focuses on how marine mammals care for their young in the wild and how reproductive strategies differ among species.The maximum capacity for this program is 50 participants.