REEF Educator Resources

Connecting educators with tools to help their students understand and enjoy the oceans 

Interested in exploring tropical destinations with an in-person education program led by REEF marine life experts? Or want to provide a learning adventure for students from the comfort of their classroom? 

REEF has many opportunities for educators to engage students in immersive, hands-on learning and exploration. The online learning resources and activities are FREE, thanks to the generous support of our donors through the Oceans for All Fund. If you have any questions about any activities or programs, contact us at explorers@REEF.org. 
 

Click on the links below to view more information for each program. 

In-Person Programs

Ocean Explorers Discovery Programs 

Interactive classroom or field-based programs. Each session is scheduled in one to four-hour blocks. Ideal for groups that prefer a single-day program or want to incorporate REEF programming into a broader travel itinerary. Most Discovery Programs occur at the REEF Campus in Key Largo, Florida. REEF can also provide offsite programming in south Florida at meeting spaces or field locations secured by the group. 

Ocean Explorers Expeditions

Full-service multi-day travel programs to international and domestic destinations. In addition to customized educational content, each trip package can be tailored to include housing, scuba diving, snorkeling, kayaking, land-based eco-tours, and other aquatic adventures. 

 

Online Programs & Resources

Ocean Explorers Virtual Field Trips

An interactive field trip simulation for 3rd-8th grade students that includes engaging lesson plans and activities to give students experiences and connections to the marine environment without leaving their classroom. Students have the opportunity to explore what life is like as marine scientists, performing exploration tasks and creating research trials as they complete field journals and become citizen scientists themselves.

Ocean Explorers Case Studies 

Created for cross-curricular access for high school students and above, these Ocean Explorers Case Studies can be used as a mini-unit or a stand-alone lesson for Biology, Environmental Science, Speech, and Engineering courses. 

Live Session with Marine Life Experts

Bring the ocean directly to your home or classroom. REEF Virtual Discovery Programs connect participants with the ocean and tie seamlessly into the traditional classroom environment. Online sessions engage students with scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and analyzing and interpreting data. 

Fishinars & Fishy Hours

Fishie fun in the comfort of your own home. These short, free marine life identification webinars will help you know who is who underwater. Information is presented in a fun and accessible way, and Fishinars are open to anyone wanting to know more about ocean life is welcome to join in. Great for first-time REEF surveyors, or those wanting a review. In addition to marine life identification sessions for all of REEF's project areas, we also feature guest speakers who present a variety of ocean topics. Fishy Hour offerings include Jeopardy-style games focusing on ocean topics, Fish Face-to-Face social hours, Virtual Workshops, and more.

REEF Surveyor Toolbox 

Looking to be a citizen scientist? Ready to jump in and get started doing REEF surveys? Want to learn how to identify more of the ocean life you’re likely to see when you do surveys in different areas? You’ve come to the right place! This toolbox includes an overview of how the Volunteer Fish Survey Project (VFSP) works, what gear will help you get started, and, most importantly, resources to learn more about the amazing creatures you’ll see as you conduct surveys in different areas.