Because who doesn’t want to learn how to save the ocean?

The Reef Institute utilizes the EPA’s Stewardship Continuum to relate all programs back to creating a generation of skilled stewards. Beginning at the awareness stage with touch points through outreach events and ending in stewardship with a greater understanding and appreciation of our environment.

Our educational philosophy is to intentionally move those we teach from merely becoming aware of the plight of coral to becoming a better steward of the ocean at large.

Excursions

Virtual Learning

The Florida Reef Tract is the third largest barrier reef in the world and the largest reef off of continental North America. Whether sitting on the beach or beyond we want to help you have hands on learning and experiences to feel closer to our reefs. Groups of 6-10 are invited to join us for an outdoor learning adventure.

Distance learning

Although coral reefs are found in less than 1% of the surface area of the world’s oceans, they support a riot of biodiversity, with 25% of the Earth’s marine creatures relying upon them for food and shelter. We are online more than ever before, with a greater desire to be connected to unique experiences. Learn from Reef Institute marine educators online no matter where your students are and encounter the immense biodiversity of the Florida Reef Tract first hand. We offer one time lessons, as well as series.

outdoor classrooms

The Florida Reef Tract is the third largest barrier reef in the world and the largest reef off of continental North America. We offer outdoor classrooms to work directly with our marine scientists and experience the research that will save our Florida Reef Tract. Outdoor classrooms are intended for classrooms, schools and homeschool groups.

Virtual Field Trips

The Florida Reef Tract is home to many native, non-native, and invasive species. The Reef Institute offers a one time “virtual field trip” of our unique facility. Students have an opportunity to learn about an array of topics and digitally interact with sharks, lion fish, eels and coral reefs.

in school partnerships

Following Florida Sunshine State and Next Gen Science Standards and the scope and sequence of the district/organization, we are able to help improve retention of science content.  Working with the classroom teachers, we reinforce science concepts as students discuss marine science, and see live animals while we facilitate lessons.  

Currently, we are offering a distance learning option of classes with a marine scientist from our West Palm Beach facility, allowing students to digitally interact with animals as they learn. Teachers are provided with a full year of curriculum to supplement what we teach online in the classroom.  At the High School level we primarily focus on Biology and Life Science.  At each level, we are seeing huge growth potential.  Through the partnerships with the schools, students are connecting science concepts and are able to better understand the content delivered.  Additionally, as students learn about the ocean they are also learning to care for the world in their own back yard.  Growing in knowledge of conservation and stewardship, are leadership lessons that last a lifetime, and have the potential to impact the reefs around Florida in a positive way.