Boston, famous for its deep history and lively culture, is also an excellent place for students to explore marine life. Located on the Atlantic coast, Boston and the surrounding area offers a wealth of hands-on experiences that make learning about marine biology exciting and relevant.
Educational Benefits
Field trips to explore Boston’s marine life offer more than just a fun day out; they provide substantial educational benefits that can enhance students’ understanding of biology and environmental science.
Here’s how these experiences support the curriculum and boost learning:
- Reinforcement of Classroom Learning: Students get to see firsthand the creatures and ecosystems they’ve learned about in class, solidifying their understanding of concepts.
- Igniting Curiosity: Being in a dynamic, interactive environment sparks curiosity and can lead to a deeper interest in science subjects.
- Development of Critical Thinking Skills: Field trips encourage students to ask questions, make observations and think critically about what they see and learn.
- Enhancement of Social Skills and Teamwork: Educational trips offer students the chance to work in teams and develop social skills as they engage with their peers in a new setting.
- Exposure to Potential Careers: Meeting real scientists and seeing them at work can inspire students to pursue careers in STEM.
Let’s take a closer look at a few of our recommended favorites below.
New England Aquarium
Indo-Pacific Coral Reef at the New England Aquarium. Credit: Vanessa Kahn
The New England Aquarium stands as a cornerstone of marine education in Boston. Known for its impressive exhibits and commitment to conservation, the Aquarium provides an interactive environment where students can learn about a wide variety of marine creatures and their habitats.
Copyright: Copyright Caitlin Cunningham Photography
Educational Programs Tailored for Students:
- Live Animal Interactions: Students can get up close with marine life through touch tanks and supervised encounters with creatures like sea stars, urchins and hermit crabs. These tactile experiences help make learning tangible, sparking curiosity and a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems.
- Exclusive Meet-and-Greets: Join aquarium trainers for an exclusive inside-the-exhibit visit with the Atlantic harbor seals! Students can participate in a training session where they will learn about the biology and habitat of these wonderful creatures, as well as how staff care for and communicate with them.
- Simons Theatre: The biggest movie screen in New England shows a collection of 3D nature documentaries and films that immerse students with spectacular cinematography and critical themes.
- Interactive Exhibits: The Aquarium’s exhibits are designed to actively engage students. From simulations of ocean environments to digital information panels that offer deep dives into marine science topics, these exhibits ensure that students leave with a comprehensive understanding of the material.
Pre-Visit Materials: Educational guides and worksheets are available for various grade levels.
Contact: Call (617) 973-5206, email groupsales@neaq.org or visit the website for more details.
Boston Harbor Cruises
Hit the water with these tours perfect for discovering the local ecosystems. Credit: Boston Harbor Cruises
Boston Harbor Cruises take the classroom to the water, providing students with a unique opportunity to engage with biology and marine science up close. These educational trips are designed to complement classroom learning with real-world observations and experiences, making them a favorite among educators for their hands-on approach to science.
Tours Ideal for Student Groups:
- Whale Watching Tours: These tours offer students a chance to observe whales and other marine mammals in their natural habitats. As they watch these magnificent creatures, students will learn from trained naturalists about migration patterns, feeding behaviors and the critical role whales play in ocean ecosystems. This real-time observation reinforces classroom lessons about marine life and ecosystem dynamics.
- History Trips on the Water: The waterways of Boston have always played a critical role in the city’s history, and on this tour students will learn all about the legends and lore that lie within. From heroic tales of the Revolutionary War to the local legends of the sea, learn how the harbor was transformed into what is now one of the cleanest waterways in the country.
- Explore the Harbor Islands: The Boston Harbor Islands National and State Park is the largest recreation area in metro Boston. On Georges, students can explore Civil-War-era Fort Warren and take a ranger-guided tour. On Spectacle, they can take in panoramic views of Boston Harbor, enjoy nature hikes and take in the wealth of flora and fauna on the island.
Educational Group Rates and Information: Plan an educational field trip and bring your classroom to the water. With awe-inspiring views and lessons about Boston and its surroundings, Boston Harbor City Cruises can help to create an unforgettable experience for your students.
Contact: For bookings, call 1-866-307-2469 or submit a contact request via the website.
Parker River National Wildlife Refuge
Learn about life on land, in the sea and in the sky at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge. Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Region
Just north of Boston you’ll find the majestic Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, which offers some incredible insights into the local ecosystem. Field trip programs at the refuge are abundant so educators can choose a program that will fit the unique needs and interests of their students. A typical ranger-led program lasts 90 minutes, with additional time set aside for students to explore the area on their own.
Some of the Ranger-Led Field Trip Programs Available:
- Biology of the Barrier Islands: Students will discover the unique geologic processes that formed these islands and visit a drumlin on the refuge to learn about how they are created. Moving from geology to biology, students will also explore the different habitats that make up a barrier island and the wildlife that call them home.
- Beach Discovery: The beaches within the refuge are beautiful and also hold many keys to understanding the local ecosystems. On this field trip students will learn about how harsh the seashore environment can be and how different animals are able to call this place home. A highlight of this trip is a scavenger hunt for beach creatures.
- Saltmarsh Ecosystem and Monitoring: In this field trip, students take on the role of monitors and conservationists and they learn about the importance of saltmarshes and the challenges these unique ecosystems face today. This provides an excellent opportunity for students to participate in a hands-on experience conducting monitoring practices, while discovering how the refuge is helping to fix the degrading Great Marsh.
Educational Resources: Additional materials such as scavenger hunts, activity sheets or trail guides may be available for certain self-guided opportunities.
Contact: Submit a field trip request via the website or email parkerriver@fws.gov for more details.
Your Next Marine Biology Adventure Awaits
There are a wealth of opportunities to explore biology and marine life on the coast of Massachusetts. These adventures remind us that the best way to learn is by experiencing the world firsthand, fostering curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the environment. It’s also a great way to encourage the next generation of environmental stewards and maybe even inspire future career paths.
