Ocean First Institute

Our Mission

To advance the conservation of sharks and all ocean life through cutting-edge research, education, and community engagement that empowers people to protect our blue planet.

What We Do

Research
Goliath Grouper
Great White Sharks
Keys Shark Contaminants
Keys Shark Populations
Past Research
Education
Explorer Series
Free Online Courses
Plastic Pollution Monitoring
Free School Programs
Shark Field Course
Where We Work
Colorado
Florida Keys Lab
Florida Atlantic University

Education

School Programs

Through both in-person and virtual programs, we share the thrill of ocean exploration and explain the role the ocean plays in our everyday lives.

Free Marine Science Programs for Schools

Hands-on, NGSS-aligned marine science workshops for grades 1–12. Programs are free and available in Colorado and South Florida, with virtual options available.

Free • Grades 1–12 • 60 minutes • Up to 30 students • NGSS aligned

Sampling for microplastics in a local waterway.

Program Offerings

Bring the wonders of the ocean to your classroom, after-school program, scout meeting, library or home-school group with Ocean First Institute’s inquiry based, hands-on marine science workshops! 
 
Designed for learners from 1st grade through high school, each 60-minute session invites up to 30 students to think like marine scientists- exploring ocean ecosystems, animal adaptations, and conservation challenges through engaging, real-world activities. 
 
From sea turtles navigating vast ocean currents to sharks showcasing their incredible survival skills, and students becoming researchers as they collect and analyze microplastics data, every workshop connects curiosity with action! All sessions align with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and support 21st Century Skills- inspiring students to explore, question, and protect our blue planet. Explore Our Marine Science Workshops to learn more about each educational program. 
A student exploring a water sample with a digital microscope.
A student using VR to explore the ocean!

Bring Marine Science to Your School!

Ocean First Institute is thrilled to offer in-person education programming in Florida and Colorado! Please submit a workshop request form online and our team will be in touch to confirm and book the program. 
Colorado In-Person Workshops (Available in the following counties: Adams, Arapahoe, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson) 
Colorado Workshop Request Form (hyperlink to the following): https://forms.gle/hu9Fxpd8BFxkWhif7
Florida In-Person Workshops (Available in Boca Raton and the Keys)
Boca Raton Workshop Request Form (hyperlink to the following): https://forms.gle/cYqXJzrXWSpc1RQq6
Florida Keys Workshop Request Form (hyperlink to the following): https://forms.gle/HH1B6aeVWHmeRbvG8
Virtual program request? No problem! Send us an email info@oceanfirstinstitute.org
OFI outreach on Costa Rica.
Dr. Mikki broadcasting live from a shark cage off Guadalupe Island!