Educational Programs

With the worldwide systematic decline of many fish species, conservation and education have become important priorities for IGFA and environmentalists throughout the world. To help with this global mission, programs are available at IGFA, but can also be brought to your classroom as the Education Outreach Program!* Programs are available Monday through Sunday, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and are offered to teachers, scouts, and anyone who has a group of 20 or more. Each program (except the Fishing Clinic 2 lab) is one hour long and is limited to a maximum of 30 children. Multiple programs can be done in one day, larger groups may be accommodated with multiple visits. All programs at the IGFA include a self-guided visit. IGFA Certified Teachers receive a discounted price! Each program meets requirements for Florida's Sunshine State Standards (SSS).

In the Adaptation lab, students will observe and identify different physical adaptations ( scales, mouths, body shapes and fin shapes) that fish use to help them successfully survive in their aquatic environment. They will gain an understanding of how physical structure(s) influences and determines function (i.e. Flounder's flat body will dictate its sedentary, bottom-dwelling position). (Gr K-12: This is a one hour lab)

NEW! In the Creatures of the Deep lab, students will identify the five layers of the ocean; Epipelagic, Mesopelagic, Bathypelagic, Abyssopelagic, and Hadalpelagic. They will learn what types of fish can be found at these great depths and understand how and why they are able to survive in such extreme conditions. Students will use what they learned to design their own species of deep sea creature using simple arts and crafts. (Gr K-3: This is a one hour lab)

With the Enviroscape, students become members of a coastal community where they learn how pollution affects the watershed. Students learn how the aquifer of South Florida cleans their drinking water and what they do everyday effects our habitat through learning about their watershed. (Gr K-12: This is a half hour lab to be combined with another half hour lab)

In the Fishing Clinic 1 & 2 programs, students will learn the basic parts and functions of different rods and reels, the different types and functions of bait, different line classes, how to tie knots, Florida State regulations, catch and release techniques, and the safety that goes along with fishing. (Gr 3-12: FC 1 is a one hour lab, the FC 2 is a two and a half hour lab that can only be taught at the International Fishing Hall of Fame and includes fishing in the front ponds)

The Fish Play is a great way to teach young children the importance of various habitats and how the shape of the fish determines the type of environment it can live in. Select students wear costumes and have scripts just like in a real play! (Gr K-3: This is a half hour lab to be combined with another half hour lab)

Students who do Fish Printing, or as the Japanese call it, Gyotaku (guh-yo-tah-koo), learn the external morphology of a fish and construct an original piece of art to take home! (Gr K-12: This is a half hour lab to be combined with another half hour lab)

In the Ins & Outs of Ichthyology lab, students will examine, in some detail, the external and internal anatomy of a fish. Only by dissecting can you really appreciate the structural and functional role of the many organs, fins and other parts of a fish. Students will learn about the relationship between an organ's texture, location, and function. During the diessection, instructors will discuss how the different structures and organs function to aid the fish in its survival. Many aspects of its structural and functional organization are identical with those of other animals, including humans; this activity is designed to teach some of the differences and similarities of anatomy between fish and humans. (Gr 9-12: This is a one hour lab)

NEW! Only Available October '07 - March '08!!! During the Sharkwater lab, students will assess their existing knowledge about sharks and identify what information is fact and what is false. They will also determine the correct lengths of various shark species around the world. While working as a team, students will observe and identify different physical adaptations (tooth shape, tail shape, scent and electroreception) that sharks use to help them successfully survive in their aquatic environment. They will gain an understanding of what type of marine habitats sharks live in and why sharks are called the top predators in these habitats. (Gr K-12: This is a one hour lab)

The Touch Tank will introduce students to the three main habitats off the coast of South Florida. Models depicting mangroves, seagrasses and coral reefs are used to teach the importance of these fragile ecostystems and that organisms depend on them for protection and as food sources. Students will have the opportunity to gently touch and hold organisms commonly found in these three habitats while learning how human interference has affected these habitats. (Gr K-12: This is a half hour lab to be combined with another half hour lab)

In the Water Chemistry & Field Water Chemistry labs, students will measure several water quality parameters that are important to fish health: salinity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, phosphate, and pH. Students will also observe the basic forms of life in which all fish need to survive. Using a microscope, students will observe and identify invertebrates from our wetland's waters. Students who participate in the field course will experience some of the same struggles real field biologist encounter. (Water Chemistry Gr 3-12; Field Water Chemistry Gr 9-12 and can only be taught at the International Fishing Hall of Fame: These are one hour labs)

NEW! While participating in the Wetlands lab, students will observe the different habitats that are created by the variations in elevation. Participants will learn what a wetland is and the many components that make up a wetland, the different types of wetlands, identify plants and animals and become conscious of their impact on their local wetlands, in South Florida , the Everglades . Hands on activities include dip-netting and water sampling. (Gr K-12: This is a half hour lab to be combined with another half hour lab)

Your visit to the museum may be free! Please visit our Grants page to see if you qualify.

For more information or to register please call (954) 924-4309, fax (954) 924-4333, e-mail or mail to: