Resources for Teachers

Introduce your students to the fascinating world of Florida seafood and aquaculture. The topic can be explored from a variety of perspectives from the historic and scientific to hobby and career development. The introductory information and resources provided on these pages are here to assist you in stimulating the curiosity of students of all ages about an important part of Florida’s heritage and economy.

Aquaculture

Aquaculture is the process of farming or growing animals and plants in a controlled water environment. Florida’s five main farm-raised aquatic products are tropical fish, aquatic plants, food fish, shellfish and alligators. Florida plays an important role in the production of tropical fish and aquatic plants. It is the number one producer of aquarium fish in the United States. The world wide aquaculture industry is continually exploring the feasibility of farming many other marine and freshwater organisms.

Aquaculture teaching aids available are the “Discover Florida Aquaculture” booklet, video, poster and sticker. These teaching aids help give middle and high school students a basic overview of Florida aquaculture and its top products. These can be ordered for classroom use by completing and submitting the order form at the link below.

Aquarium Fish

Aquarium fish are the most popular pet in America. Nearly one in eight U.S. households has fish as pets; that’s 12 million households owning more than 158 million fish. Florida is the No. 1 producer of aquarium fish and aquatic plants in the United States.

Establishing a classroom aquarium is an excellent way to teach students about nature as well as responsibility. For easy-to-understand instructions about setting up an aquarium, click on the link below.

Find Info About Aquarium Fish

Seafood for Kids

Meet “Claus the Crab,” “Finn the Fish” and “Laurie the Lobster.” These playful critters just want you to have a little fun and teach your students all about Florida’s seafood. These characters are for 7-to-12-year-olds, but can be fun for the whole family. “Claus” will share interesting Florida seafood facts. “Finn” is not quite so serious; he loves to play games, like Fishy Mathematics, Create-a-Story, Match-up, Fill-in-the Blank or Word Find. “Laurie” helps youngsters learn to follow directions, apply arithmetic and cook while following a few simple seafood recipes.

Also available are two downloadable children’s publications: the “Florida Seafood and Aquaculture Coloring and Activity Book” and the “Florida Seafood Fun Facts and Activities” brochure. To check out these games, activities and publications, click on the link below.

Find Info About Seafood For Kids