Many of us are on spring break or homeschooling from this crazy COVID-19. Now that most of us have finally decided to quarantine, kids may be still confused about why they can’t visit their favorite South Florida destinations.
Unfortunately, at this time, we all can’t, but some of these places are doing their best to keep our children entertained or give them a glimpse of what is happening out there. Virtual learning has become the new way as we navigate through this crazy time.
Here is a list of places doing their best to share South Florida Virtual Learning for kids during the quarantine.
Check back because I will add more as I get the scoop!
Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science Launches Frost Science@Home Digital Learning Platform
WHAT: Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science will introduce a new digital platform series, Frost Science@Home, giving web visitors the opportunity to explore free educational resources, videos, DIY science activities and behind-the-scenes content.
Stand-out content includes at-home family-friendly science activities, a 360° exploration of the museum’s top exhibitions and a deep dive into the world of the resident rehabilitated loggerhead turtle, Miko.
HOW TO ACCESS: The museum is also encouraging people to follow its social media channels Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for regular updates and special programming.
- EXPLORE! Museum experts will take guests inside the museum from the comfort of their homes. The virtual tour was created as a resource to highlight the campus as a welcoming and enriching learning environment for all. Join Frost Science’s Knight VP of education, Dr. Angela Colbert, and explore each level of the museum. In addition, a 360° video captures the museum’s major exhibition spaces. Both experiences are available here.
- Curriculum Resources: Frost Science exhibition guides, including exciting and educational activities, are available here.
- DIY Science: Looking for activities to keep young learners and budding scientists engaged? Click here.
- Animals at Frost Science: How does the museum care for the diverse wildlife? Frost Science’s veterinarian, Dr. Kristen Dube, has all the answers here.
- Miko the Loggerhead: She weighs 135 lbs. and is over 20 years old. Meet Frost Science’s rehabilitated loggerhead turtle, Miko, and learn more about this amazing species of sea turtles here.
- Sharks, oh my! There are over 400 species of sharks in the world. Sounds like a lot? Well, there’s nine different species of hammerheads alone. View the top 5 things you didn’t know about sharks here.
For more information about Frost Science@Home please visit frostscience.org/athome. Please share it with your family and friends, and tag the museum at #FrostScienceAtHome.
Manatee Lagoon Cam
Soon you’ll be able to TAKE A TOUR OF MANATEE LAGOON – AN FPL ECO DISCOVERY CENTER with its outside picnic area dining. But for now, you can watch the Manatee Lagoon Cam to see if any of these adorable animals are hanging out together.
Manatee Lagoon – An FPL Eco-Discovery Center: in an abundance of caution, Manatee Lagoon is currently closed to the public, however, the center is continuing on its mission to educate the public about manatees and the Lake Worth Lagoon, in order to inspire communities to preserve and protect Florida’s environment and wildlife.
WHAT: The Manatee Lagoon Virtual Learning Series is a new, free educational online resource that will cover everything from the importance of protecting marine life like our favorite sea cow (the iconic Florida manatee) and fun facts (e.g., Man-O-Wars are actually NOT jellyfish) to lessons on phytoplankton. Plus, art lessons will be offered every Friday!
WHEN: New videos will be posted on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings on Manatee Lagoon’s social pages.
HOW TO ACCESS:
- Website: bit.ly/ManateeLagoonOnline
- Manatee Lagoon’s Facebook and Instagram pages
BONUS: Manatee Lagoon also has free, at-home activity worksheets available for download that correspond to each educational video.
Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS)
WHAT: Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS) will be offering “virtual learning” videos with accompanying activities beginning on Monday, March 23.
MODS will be offering free daily activities, resources and high-quality educational content to be consumed in the comfort of your own home.
These fun STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) videos range from reading and hands-on activities to science demonstrations.
Virtual Camp Discovery Content Includes:
- School Program Lessons
- Outreach Classes
- Makerspace activities brought to you by The Leighton Family and Citrix
- Slime of the Day
- Storytelling and/or Early Childhood Education
- Science Shows
- Animal Meet and Greets
- Camp Activities
WHEN: The videos will be released weekdays (Monday through Friday) through MODS’ enews and on social media channels.
HOW TO ACCESS: Subscribe to MODS’news and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube to get the coolest content first!
JUNGLE ISLAND FREE VIRTUAL ONLINE LESSONS
WHAT: Jungle Island says to Stay in Your Shell. Starting Monday, March 23, Miami’s premier eco-adventure park and events destination will introduce new virtual online learning opportunities for kids’ ages 5 to 12 years old.
Jungle Island’s Education Manager Emma Guss will post cool photos and a weblink to where kiddos and parents can locate the lesson of the day. Look out for new themes every week, ranging from Everglades Exploration, Spread Your Wings, Primate Practices and more. Guss will lead the virtual learning exercises and has designated Tuesdays and Thursdays as “homework” days.
WHEN: Visit the park’s Facebook or Instagram pages at 11 a.m. each weekday (Monday-Friday). Assignments will be posted each weekday at www.jungleisland.com/homeschool which will go LIVE by Monday.
HOW TO ACCESS: Email education@jungleisland.com.
FOR KIDS’ AGES 5-12
Palm Beach Zoo Virtually Bringing the Zoo to You
Since the Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is temporarily closed to the public, the beloved West Palm Beach connection to wildlife is giving you a chance to stay in touch.
WHAT: PBZ-TV viewers will see exclusive footage featuring some of the most colorful and animated characters at the Zoo, including Darla, the Southern ground hornbill, and Priscilla, the African crested porcupine. These curious creatures will be exploring the Zoo and checking on the other animals too. The Zoo will provide rare and engaging content throughout the week, including an episodic series that unfolds over several weeks.
In addition to videos, supplemental materials and quizzes will be available on the Palm Beach Zoo website and linked to the social media posts.
WHEN: The Zoo is launching PBZ-TV, a weekday series of videos posted on its facebook and Instagram pages at 10 AM Monday through Friday, beginning March 30.
HOW TO ACCESS: For more information check the Palm Beach Zoo Facebook and Instagram pages, @palmbeachzoo, and the website: https://www.palmbeachzoo.org/activities
Zoo Miami MeerKam
WHAT: The meerkats at Zoo Miami and see what they are up to via its MeerKam. The enclosure consists of Yam Yam, an 8-year-old female who gave birth earlier this year to two pups, and three brothers, Gizmo, Joe and Diego. Watch closely and you might catch a glimpse of the babies as they explore their new home.
WHEN: Anytime
HOW TO ACCESS: Find the link on zoomiami.org.
YOUNG at ART
WHAT: Young at Art will be giving kids a chance to take a virtual tour of its interactive art galleries. There will also be downloadable art activities designed by professional guest artists. From cardboard stories to a character creation challenge
WHEN: NOW
How To Access: Visit youngatartmuseum.org/yaaathome to learn more.
Loggerhead Marinelife Center
WHAT: Loggerhead Marinelife Center will be offering fun and educational learning sessions. The education team will conduct 15-20 minute virtual learning lessons and kids can find coloring pages, crafts and more.
WHEN: Facebook Live sessions at 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.
HOW TO ACCESS: Visit marinelife.org/homelearn for more information.
Boca Raton Museum of Art
WHAT: Keep Kids Smart with ART, presented by the Boca Raton Museum of Art, will have digital programs for all ages available on Facebook and Instagram. It will provide a daily resource for those seeking a creative outlet.
HOW TO ACCESS: Visit bocaratonmuseum.org.
Busch Wildlife
WHAT: Busch Wildlife will be streaming public programs via Facebook. Schedule of events include:
WHEN: Storytime on Wednesday at 9:30 a.m
- Hunters of the Sky on Thursday at 12:30 p.m
- Reptiles Rule on Friday at 12:30 p.m.
- Wildlife Encounters on Saturday at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.
- There will be additional Wildlife Encounters daily at 3 p.m.
HOW TO ACCESS: Visit their Facebook page.
Fairchild Garden
WHAT: Fairchild Garden has launched #MyFairchild, an online resource for kids to learn about horticulture, create crafts and watch DIY educational videos, wellness tips and more.
HOW TO ACCESS: Follow along on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or at fairchildgarden.org.
Miami Marlins
WHAT: From coloring pages and word searches to development tips and baseball toolkits, the Miami Marlins are providing a chance for kids and their parents to have some fun while at home.
You’ll also find a link to the Summer Slugger program – an engaging learning experience that uses the game of baseball to prepare students of all backgrounds to enter the next school year on track.
HOW TO ACCESS: Visit marlins.com/homefun for more information.
Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach
WHAT: The Mandel Public Library of West Palm Beach will be providing tools for kids to make staying at home fun.
Librarians will be creating social media content and activities to help pass the time at home from singalongs to writing clubs.
HOW TO ACCESS: Visit their Facebook page.
South East Florida and The Keys Beach Cams
You may not be able to go to the beach, but you can still see what’s going on at the beach. Check out the beach cams from Jupiter all the way to the Florida Keys.
Share any places who need some love and have South Florida virtual learning!
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