Explore the Wonders of Marine Mammal Science with our Educational Workshops
Our Educational Workshops highlight NMMF discoveries about marine mammals to promote creative thinking and inspire a greater commitment to the conservation of marine mammals and their habitats. Our program offers a unique opportunity for you to:
- Connect with Marine Mammal Experts: Engage with leading scientists, veterinarians, and marine biologists who are passionate about marine mammals. Learn from their experiences, insights, and ongoing work in the field.
- Participate in Interactive Workshops: Join us in hands-on workshops, where you can immerse yourself in the world of marine mammal science. From understanding acoustic communication to marine mammal health assessments, you’ll gain valuable knowledge and skills.
- Discover Marine Mammal Conservation: Learn about the critical efforts and methods used to protect these incredible creatures and their habitats in a dynamic learning environment
Educational Workshops (Grades K-12)
As part of our unwavering commitment to STEAM education, the NMMF has crafted a series of engaging workshops, each designed to dive deep into the fascinating world of marine mammal science and conservation. Through hands-on activities, direct interactions with NMMF experts, and captivating presentations, we bring the magic of the marine world directly to students. These workshops are not just educational experiences; they are gateways to a lifelong passion for STEAM and the protection of marine mammals worldwide. Explore our diverse array of workshops:

You Can Be a STEAM Professional
Inspiring the Next Generation
You Can Be a STEAM Professional
Unlock the doors to the world of STEAM through firsthand experiences and encounters with professionals from diverse fields. You Can Be a STEAM Professional is all about fostering the next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians. Join us to explore your potential!

POP for a Porpoise
Preventing Ocean Plastics

Marine Mammal Conservation
Protectors of the Sea
Marine Mammal Conservation
Delve into the basic biology and ecology of marine mammals. highlighting the world’s most endangered marine mammal species, including the vaquita porpoise and Southern Resident killer whale. Led by NMMF’s marine mammal scientists, this immersive experience equips students with the knowledge to become guardians of our oceans and its inhabitants.

Under Pressure
Secrets of Deep Diving
Under Pressure: Marine Mammal Diving Adaptations
Ever wondered how marine mammals dive to remarkable depths on a single breath? In the Under Pressure workshop, you’ll uncover the incredible adaptations that enable these animals to explore the ocean’s depths. Join us for a deep dive into the science of underwater exploration!

Dolphin Doctor
On the Front Lines of Marine Mammal Medicine
Dolphin Doctor: Marine Mammal Medicine
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of marine mammal veterinary medicine with our interactive Dolphin Doctor workshop. This engaging program delves into STEAM principles related to marine mammals, offering interactive experiments, including a mock dolphin health assessment. This workshop sparks curiosity and a passion for marine mammal conservation, making learning both fun and educational.

Animal Helpers
Animal Behavior and Training

Voices in the Sea
Unveiling the Ocean's Sonic Secrets
Voices in the Sea: Marine Mammal Bioacoustics Workshop
Unravel the mysteries of the deep through the Voices in the Sea workshop. From the sounds marine mammals produce to how underwater acoustics affect them, this program delves into the symphony of the ocean. Join us to explore the invisible language of the sea and its remarkable impact on marine life.
Upcoming Events
Join Us at SEWE - February 16-18, 2024, Charleston, SC
Discover the wonders of the natural world with NMMF at the Southeastern Wildlife Expo (SEWE), where we proudly return as a featured exhibitor and presenter for the second year in a row. Learn about marine mammal medicine, science, and technology with our interactive “Dolphin Doctor: On the Front Lines of Marine Mammal Medicine” workshops. These workshops are not just informative; they’re an adventure for all ages. Participate in hands-on educational activities, from mock wild dolphin health checks with inflatable dolphins to ultrasound demonstrations featuring real examples of baby dolphin, lung, and cardiac images. Explore satellite tag tracking, crossbow dart sampling, and entanglement scenarios while discovering their vital roles in marine mammal conservation. We invite you to join us for an enriching experience at SEWE, where education and fun meet for the entire family.
Dates & Times:
Feb 16 @ 12:00 pm- 12:30 PM
Feb 16 @ 3:30 pm- 4:00 PM
Feb 17 @ 12:00 pm- 12:30 PM
Feb 17 @ 3:30 pm- 4:00 PM
Feb 18 @ 12:00 pm- 12:30 PM
Feb 18 @ 3:30 pm- 4:00 PM

Location: SEWE Festival, Charleston, SC, MARION SQUARE (GET DIRECTIONS)
Scientific Snapshot Virtual Seminar Series
Via the NMMF Scientific Snapshot Virtual Seminar Series, we bring NMMF science to communities around the world. Learn about the NMMF’s cutting edge marine mammal science and research through our innovative and informative seminar series. Here, we bring you the latest insights, discoveries, and cutting-edge research in marine mammal biology, conservation, and the broader field of marine science. Join us as we connect with leading experts and scientists, providing you with a front-row seat to the most current and groundbreaking studies in marine mammalogy. Our Scientific Snapshot Virtual Seminar Series is your portal to a world where science and the wonders of marine mammals converge.
Playlist
Community Engagement Goals
At the NMMF, we’re fueling curiosity and inspiring the next generation of STEAM professionals. We’re committed to enhancing life for marine mammals, humans, and our shared oceans through science, service, and education. Our focus? To instill a deep-seated appreciation for marine mammals and science in our community. We’re committed to empowering youth in STEAM, nurturing community connections, and fostering our team’s growth. As an interpretive platform for NMMF research, we bridge science and community, creating a global impact.
Workshop Cost
At the NMMF, we’re deeply committed to making our workshops accessible to all who share a passion for marine science. We believe in breaking down barriers to education, which is why our workshops are offered free of charge to those who need it most. For those with the means to contribute, our programs are available at a minimal cost, ensuring that financial constraints don’t hinder access to the wonders of marine mammal STEAM learning. It’s thanks to the incredible generosity of our donors and the steadfast support of the public that we can sustain and expand our educational initiatives. Your contributions are a cornerstone of our mission to inspire future STEAM professionals and conservationists, fostering a brighter future for our oceans and marine life.
Get in Touch
Bring our workshops to your classroom or youth group by contacting our NMMF Outreach Team. Whether you’re eager to host a workshop, schedule a virtual event, or have our NMMF Outreach Team participate in a public event, reach out to us today. Our community engagement efforts have primarily focused on San Diego, CA, but we’re excited to share that our Community Engagement Team is growing in Charleston, SC, and New Orleans, LA. As we expand our ocean-based STEAM learning initiatives, we’re ready to reach students in new regions. Contact us today!