If you are looking for a gem of Alabama marine education, Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) can inspire pride in Alabama’s rich marine environment and encourage educators and students to feel connected to their local natural heritage.
In-Depth Local Research
The aquarium highlights the four key habitats of coastal Alabama through interactive exhibits. Large tanks house Mobile Bay fish including trout and spadefish, while their Rays of the Bay tank is full of four different species of ray and even a few sharks! Touch tank feeding experiences give visitors a safe and fun way to interact with the marine life housed here, with both indoor and outdoor opportunities.
Educational Group Tours & Experiences
A variety of educational tours are available for student groups, with details on scheduling, availability, and booking procedures to help educators plan. Boardwalk Talks encompass a broad scope of science and aim to inform about DISL’s efforts. Salt Marsh Excursions explore one of Alabama’s most threatened coastal habitats where students will learn how to collect samples and specimens without damaging the ecosystem. A Beach, Dune, and Maritime Forest Excursion takes students far and wide as they get an up-close look at native plants and wildlife while learning about the importance of intact dune systems.
The DISL Research Lab Guided Tour is an exciting opportunity for students to tour the on-campus research labs where scientists are studying a diverse range of marine topics. The Research Vessel Excursion sets sail on a two-hour boat trip around Mobile Bay, learning about the diverse marine ecosystem within the waters. All educational programming aligns with Alabama Course of Study Standards, and you can find information on scheduling trips through their contact resources.
Educational Resources
The aquarium compiles educational resources online for ocean enthusiasts of all ages. Coloring pages are available for younger visitors. Worksheets, based on grade level, are available for educators to utilize. They cover topics found throughout the aquarium’s exhibits and help reinforce what students have learned throughout their trip.
Downloadable activities help educators build lessons around specific marine life, such as fish, sharks, and plankton. The Living Shorelines lessons cover oyster reefs, living shorelines, and restoration efforts—highlighting the importance of the environment and protecting local habitats. The ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) program rents out kits to help teachers get hands-on in the classroom by building their own ROVs—a great STEM activity for an exciting lesson.
Students get an up-close, hands-on experience with marine life at the Alabama Aquarium. This destination offers rare opportunities to explore Alabama’s aquatic world through up-close encounters, education on endangered habitats, and interactive activities. Educators are supported during the field trip and beyond with an abundance of educator resources at their disposal. For your next marine-based field trip, check out all that the Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Alabama Aquarium have to offer.
