The Center offers dynamic educational programs for students to actively explore environmental science, marine biology, and conservation. These programs, which are not just about reading and listening but also about doing and experiencing, cover topics like the Chesapeake Bay watershed, marine life conservation, and the geological features of Virginia. A blend of hands-on activities, boat tours, and behind-the-scenes experiences allows students to observe animals like sea turtles, dolphins, and whales, fostering an appreciation for aquatic ecosystems and their preservation.
Field trips include a variety of engaging activities designed for different age groups. These are not just educational but also fun and interactive. Younger students might enjoy programs on marine life cycles and animal adaptations, while older students can dive deeper into oceanographic topics. Sessions such as “Sea Turtles: From Egg to Adult” teach students about sea turtle life cycles, environmental challenges they face, and strategies for conservation. “Out in the Ocean” offers an immersive journey into different ocean zones, highlighting how marine organisms adapt to various depths. These programs are not only informative but also interactive, sparking students’ curiosity through problem-solving exercises and live encounters with marine species.
The aquarium extends its educational reach through virtual learning and outreach programs, offering flexibility for schools that cannot visit in person. These programs are designed to accommodate the needs of different schools, emphasizing conservation education, demonstrating the human impact on aquatic ecosystems and promoting actions that support marine health. Whether on-site, virtual, or through outreach, the aquarium aims to inspire environmental stewardship among students of all ages, aligning many programs with Virginia’s Standards of Learning (SOLs) to support academic curricula.
