New England’s only private marine education facility and the most hands-on aquarium in the region, the Biomes Center in North Kingstown has been providing marine biology programs for schools and families since 1989. Specializing in teaching about the marine animals of Narragansett Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, the center features more than 80 exhibits. During private field trips, students work in teams as they take turns visiting the learning stations, including hands-on exhibits.
During group visits, students rotate through various learning stations where they engage with exhibits that showcase everything from tide pool creatures to native fish species. Highlights include touch tanks, where students can gently handle sea stars and crabs, and the shark petting tank, which introduces them to smaller shark species while fostering respect for marine life. Educational programs are designed to align with school curricula, emphasizing topics such as marine ecosystems, biodiversity, and environmental conservation.
Teachers can choose from a range of programs tailored to different age groups, ensuring that the content is age-appropriate and aligned with learning standards. Younger students focus on basic marine biology concepts, while middle and high school programs delve deeper into topics like habitat health, marine conservation, and food webs.
In addition to field trips, the Biomes Center offers outreach programs, where educators bring marine animals and lessons directly to schools that may not be able to travel. These programs include engaging activities, such as guided dissections or water-quality testing, helping students connect classroom theory with real-world science.
Pre-visit resources, including teacher guides and activity sheets, are provided to support educators in preparing students for the visit and integrating the experience into their science curriculum.
