Thousands of animals. Hundreds of species. One Aquarium.
Learn about animals from all over our blue planet—from the depths of the ocean to the canopy of the rainforest—and discover the connection they all share with water in Baltimore at the National Aquarium.
The National Aquarium’s mission—to connect people with nature to inspire compassion and care for our ocean planet—begins within the Aquarium itself but also reaches far beyond. Our work includes education, habitat restoration, animal rescue, advocacy, and sustainable practices.
National Aquarium school field trips are your students’ passport to a world of aquatic wonder! Spending a day with us provides an up-close look at the animals, habitats and careers that make science exciting, while bringing conservation education and STEAM concepts from your curriculum to life.
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Education Programs at The Baltimore National Aquarium
Get the most from your class’s field trip experience through scientific investigation, hands-on discovery, structured lab activities, presentations, and live animal encounters by selecting from the Aquarium’s diverse array of engaging educational programs presented by Aquarium experts. Curriculum-relevant, age-appropriate programs are available for students in pre-K through grade 12. All Aquarium education programs support Next Generation Science Standards, and teacher resources featuring pre-trip classroom activities and post-trip reflection activities are available.
Discover more educational opportunities with more National Aquarium Field Trips.
Examples of available education programs you can add to a field trip visit:
Marsh Story Time (K-1)
Students take a journey through the marshes of the Chesapeake Bay and help tell the story of these dynamic wetlands by participating in this activity.
Bountiful Biomes (2-3 grades)
Investigate biomes all over the world, ranging from distant rainforests and deserts to the forests found in and around your neighborhood. Discover how terrestrial animals utilize adaptations to survive in these places.
Aquarium Careers: Seal Rescue (4-5 grades), Sea Turtle Rescue (6-8 grade)
Learn how the Aquarium team rescues, rehabilitates and releases seals and turtles. You’ll follow the story of one of our rescued sea land turtle patients to learn how to diagnose their medical condition, provide treatment and use technology to prepare them to return to their natural habitat in the ocean.
Make your next class trip easier to plan—get the tools you need.
Shark Biologist (9-12 grade)
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to work with sharks? Are you interested in shark research or learning how scientists collect data from sharks? Students will take on the role of shark scientists and learn why researching sharks is crucial to maintaining ecosystem balance and health. Students will also get a glimpse into how the National Aquarium team cares for sharks by going behind the scenes of one of our shark exhibits.
For more information on additional educational classroom programs, please visit National Aquarium-Education Programs.
Newest Exhibit at The Baltimore National Aquarium: Harbor Wetlands
On August 9, 2024, the National Aquarium opened its newest public exhibit, Harbor Wetlands, a 10,000-square-foot salt marsh located between its Pier 3 and Pier 4 buildings. This latest exhibit enables visitors to the harbor to step onto floating docks and experience the diverse plant and animal life inhabiting this innovative, recreated salt marsh. The Aquarium’s newest exhibit looks forward by looking back.
Hundreds of years ago, Baltimore’s Inner Harbor was a tidal salt marsh surrounded by forests. By mimicking the natural salt marsh habitat that once existed in Baltimore City, Harbor Wetland is reintroducing a critical ecosystem. In the process, it provides green infrastructure that promotes healthy water; attracts native species like blue crabs, American eels, Eastern oysters and night herons; and teaches students and guests about wetland ecosystems.
Did you know that there are river otters in Baltimore? Before the exhibit even opened, otters were spotted exploring the wetlands. Follow our social media pages to stay up to date with all the exciting activities happening at the National Aquarium!
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/nationalaquarium
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/nationalaquarium
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