Homeschool students can study animal and seed development, explore the unique adaptations of sharks, dissect fish or squid, and discover the importance of plankton – plus, enjoy discounted admission – on Wed., April 27 during “Homeschool Day” in The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk.
This focused day makes available to homeschool students many of the educational programs regularly presented to traditional school groups by Aquarium educators. Options on April 27 include seven STEM-focused classroom programs, two story times for preschoolers and a hands- on boat cruise to examine marine life out on Long Island Sound (cruise is already full).
“One of the Aquarium’s priorities is making our excellent STEM-based educational programs available to all, not just to students in traditional school settings,” said Tom Naiman, the Aquarium’s Vice President for Education. “We’re excited to offer this special day and these unique learning opportunities to the many homeschooling parents and students in the tri-state area.”
The seven drop-off-style programs include: one-hour introductions to sharks and to seeds for ages 4 and up; one-hour focuses on intertidal animals and on squid adaptations for ages 7 and up; and a 90-minute lab for ages 10 and up that will compare the circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems of fish and humans. Costs of the classroom programs vary from $5 to $8 per student, in addition to the discounted admission.
During a 9 a.m. Marine Life Encounter Cruise, students aboard the Aquarium's unique hybrid- electric research vessel, RV Spirit of the Sound, will examine and record animals brought up out of Long Island Sound. Those under age 16 must be accompanied by a paying parent or guardian. All cruise participants must be at least 42 inches tall. Tickets for the two-hour cruise are $25. Aquarium admission is optional. (Cruise is already full).
For ages 3 and younger, “Homeschool Day” story times will be offered at 10:15 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in the Aquarium’s new STEM-focused “Sea & Discover Zone” for preschoolers. These interactive 45-minute sessions require a parent or caregiver to be present and are free with the discounted admission.
Plus, homeschool families can enjoy all Aquarium exhibits, including: the enormous new “Pinniped Cove” habitat, with seal-training demonstrations at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.; the all-new “Meerkats!” exhibit; and a unique special exhibit that blends live animals with sculpture and photography, “A Slug’s Life: Facing the Climate Endgame.”
With advance purchase online by Mon., April 25, discounted “Homeschool Day” admission is $14 for children ages 3-12 and $19 for adults. (Tickets normally are $19.95 for children and $28.95 for adults.)
Participants also can include a 4D movie during their day, for $7 per person. The 12-minute hourly options are “Shark: A 4D Experience” and “Happy Feet 4D Experience.”
Aquarium members need only pay for any educational program, the study cruise and/or 4D movie tickets.
While guests no longer are required to wear masks, The Maritime Aquarium continues to be a mask-supportive environment because it is the best way to slow community spread.
Spaces in the “Homeschool Day” programs and cruise are limited, so advance registration is required by April 25. Get details about all of the offerings – and sign up – by going to www.maritimeaquarium.org/homeschool-students.
