Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration

Join an amazing and fun group of teenagers interested in marine science and environmental conservation in our community.   Become a member and receive training in leadership and take advantage of the many opportunities to learn about a wide range of issues related to marine environments and oceanographic exploration.  Come join us!
E-mail MaryEllen at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

Ages 12-14
Classes are offered individually or book all three for a real in-depth marine science exploration experience. 

Underwater Exploration
Have you ever wondered how a scientist, like Dr. Robert Ballard, can explore a sunken ship or look for new deep sea animal species without ever leaving a ship?  Throughout this program, participants will learn what it really means to be a deep sea explorer.  Students will take part in a tour of the Challenge of the Deep exhibit to discover how exploration and technology has changed over the years.  Then students will work in groups to design and build an ROV (remotely operated vehicle) and test their machines by competing in underwater challenges.
Schedule: Saturday, October 10, 1:00pm - 3:00pm

Do I want to be a Marine Biologist?
Are you interested in one day becoming a marine biologist or working at an aquarium with animals such as seals, beluga whales, or penguins?  Taking part in this fun-filled workshop will give you an idea of the many different career options related to marine biology that are essential to running an aquarium like Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration.  This exciting program even offers a peek behind the scenes to see the facility in action.
Schedule:  Saturday, November 14, 10:30am-12:30pm

Aqua-Vet
It is the job of aquarium veterinarians to not only monitor the health of the animals in the Aquarium’s collection but also to help rehabilitate stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. Throughout this program, you will learn what it takes to be an aquatic veterinarian by examining x-rays, looking through the eyes of a microscope at individual blood cells, and learning how the environment can affect an animal’s health.  This is a fascinating experience in real animal science.
Schedule: Saturday, March 20, 9:30am – 11:30am

Program Cost:  Sign up for the series and save!
Members $20 per class; $37 for 2 classes; or $52 for all 3 classes
Non-members $28 per class; $53 for 2 classes; or $75 for all 3 classes
Discount offered for the same child attending the series of programs.
Pre-registration is required.

Please note:  these are program fees only and do not include Aquarium admission.  Non-members will be required to pay regular admission rates in order to enter the aquarium.
Special arrangements can be made for drop off and pick up outside of aquarium gates for non-members interested in programming but not in visiting the aquarium.

Ages 15-17
Classes are offered individually or book all three for a real in-depth marine science exploration experience. 

Do you want to be a Marine Biologist?
Are you interested in one day becoming a marine biologist or working at an aquarium with animals such as seals, beluga whales, or penguins?  Taking part in one of these fun-filled workshops will give you an idea of the many different career options related to marine biology that are essential to running an aquarium like Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration.  These exciting programs even offer a peek behind the scenes to see the facility in action.
Schedule: Saturday, October 10, 10:00am – 12:00pm or Saturday, March 20, 12:30pm – 2:30pm

Sharks!
Join us for this hands-on program to discover the many physical and behavioral adaptations that sharks have developed for millions of years of survival.  Working in small groups, participants will dive in to a dogfish shark and hone their dissection skills as they participate in a detailed dissection of this remarkable shark species.  You won’t want to miss this extraordinary opportunity!
Schedule:  Saturday, November 14, 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Researcher for a Day- Pathology
This thrilling class gives you first hand experience in uncovering the mystery of a marine mammal stranding.  Students will have the opportunity to get hands-on during a necropsy, an animal autopsy, of a local stranded seal.  This program will provide students with fascinating insight on marine mammal internal and external anatomy, the basics of pathology, and information on marine mammal strandings.  Join us for this unique learning experience!
Schedule: Saturday, February 20, 10:30am - 1:30pm

Program Cost:  Sign up for the series and save!
Members $20 per class; $37 for 2 classes; or $52 for all 3 classes
Non-members $28 per class; $53 for 2 classes; or $75 for all 3 classes
Discount offered for the same child attending the series of programs.
Pre-registration is required.
Please note:  these are program fees only and do not include admission.  Non-members will be required to pay regular Aquarium admission rates in order to enter the aquarium.
Special arrangements can be made for drop off and pick up outside of aquarium gates for non-members interested in programming but not in visiting the aquarium.