Our Sponsored Field Trip program is donor-funded, and brings Lee County fourth graders from Title One schools to Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum on Sanibel for a fun, educational field trip at no cost to the school. Before the field trip, students view a thirty-minute locally filmed educational video called Mollusks in Action to learn how mollusks eat, move, and protect themselves. During their visit, students can touch live mollusks while identifying major parts of their anatomy, learn about mollusks' growth, reproduction and habitats, and express their creativity by completing a shell-themed art project.

Mollusks on the Move is an interactive STEM presentation experience, in which a Museum staff member brings LIVE mollusks to schools, outdoor festivals, and community events. A marine educator sets up a live tank and allow guests to visit and ask questions about our local mollusk species. Program subject matter aligns to the Sunshine State Next Generation Science Standards. For schools (Grades K-5), the presentation focuses on the importance of observing the natural world, mollusk feeding habits and reproduction, and marine conservation and protection. As a reward for participating in this program, each student receives a shell guide and a local shell to start their very own scientific collection. Scholarships are available for Title One schools throughout Lee and Collier Counties.

Your tax-deductible contribution to the National Shell Museum’s Children’s Educational Programs will be used to help create life-long memories for children and inspire a desire to learn more about the natural environment around us!  Donors may walk along with their adopted class.