Mystic Aquarium

Students will be introduced to some of the fascinating "neighborhoods" found beneath the waves. This program will have children navigating various ocean communities ranging from the chilly Arctic to the warm tropics. Students will discover that many sea creatures work together to be terrific neighbors, while others have interesting adaptationsthat keep them at the top of the food chain. Children will participate in an interactive presentation that will have them learning all while having a great time.
Suggested book to complement program: "The Magic School Bus on the Ocean Floor" by Joanna Cole
CT State Science Standards Addressed: 1.2, 3.4

How do you know if an animal is a reptile, bird, mammal or fish?  In this class students will take part in a fund, hands-on sorting activity to find out.  An excellent introduction to classification, this class will help your students discover why animals are classified into different groups and provide them the opportunity to look for similar and differing characteristics as they examine live marine invertebrates!
Suggested book to complement the program:  “Ocean Life” by Carolyn Franklin
CT State Science Standards Addressed:  1.2, 3.2

What is a blue-tongued skink and where does it live? What is the difference between a tortoise and a turtle? Students will discover many fascinating facts as they learn about the amazing adaptations reptiles from around the world have to survive in their own unique habitats.
Suggested book to complement the program: “Eyewitness: Reptile” by Colin McCarthy
CT State Science Standards Addressed: 1.2, 3.2

American Indians have lived along the coastline of Connecticut for thousands of years.  Through a hands-on experience with live Long Island Sound invertebrates and an interactive game, your students will discover some of the ways local Native Americans Indians utilized plants and animals from the sea.
Suggested book to complement the program: “Clambake:  A Wampanoag Tradition” by Russell M. Peters
CT State Science Standards Addressed:  2.3, 2.4, 3.4

Through interactive activities, students discover the many adaptations these charismatic marine mammals have for survival in their ocean habitat.  A costume is used to transform a student into a whale, highlighting these amazing adaptations.
Suggested book to complement the program:  “Beluga Whales” by Ann O. Squires
CT State Science Standards Addressed:  1.2, 3.2

The classroom becomes the setting for students to learn about the beautiful rocky shores of the Long Island Sound and investigate the native plants and animals that live there. Learn how difficult it is for animals to live in this harsh environment and the adaptations they have developed for rocky shore survival.
Suggested book to complement the program: “Seaside Switch” by Kathleen V. Kudlinski
CT State Science Standards Addressed: 1.2, 3.2