Grades 1-3 - Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration

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Grades 1-3

All grade 1-3 programs focus on scientific inquiry and literacy and include a special Touch & Learn with live marine invertebrates or a live reptile. This hands-on opportunity offers a valuable and exciting learning experience which encourages students to make observations and ask questions.

All grade 1-3 programs can also be conducted right in your own classroom as part of our Traveling Teacher Program.

This class includes a live invertebrate touch and learn
This class includes a touch and learn with a live reptile
This class has a conservation focus

New! All Sorts of Animals

How can you tell a reptile from a bird or a mammal from a fish? Join us in finding out these answers and more! This class provides an excellent introduction to classification. Through a fun and hands-on sorting activity, your students will discover why reptiles, birds, fish and mammals are placed in different groups.
Suggested book to complement the program: “Ocean Life” by Carolyn Franklin
CT State Science Standards Addressed: 1.2, 3.2

Amazing Reptile Adaptations

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 exhibit, helping them 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 and the Sea

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 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

Beautiful Belugas

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

Explore the Shore of Long Island Sound

The classroom becomes the setting for students to learn about the beautiful rocky shores of the Long Island Sound and to 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: “Explore and Discover the Seashore” by Angela Wilkes
CT State Science Standards Addressed: 1.2, 3.2

You Are What You Eat

People consume a variety of foods in order to satisfy their nutritional needs. Kids know what they eat (and don’t!) … but what about aquarium animals? Do penguins eat pickles? Do bats eat bananas? Through interactive activities your students will discover how we provide well-balanced diets for our animals.
Suggested book to complement the program: “The Magic School Bus Gets Eaten: Book About Food Chains” by Joanna Cole
CT State Science Standards Addressed: 1.2, 2.4, 3.2

Sign Up

Advance registration is required for all programs. To inquire about one of these programs, please complete our online Teacher and School Group Registration Form. After you complete the form, a Reservations staff member will contact you to obtain payment and finalize your reservation.

For additional information, please call 860-572-5955 ext. 520.

Traveling Programs

We will travel to you! Our traveling teachers bring a complete classroom presentation to your location. Traveling programs are offered within 75 miles of Mystic, CT!

Distance Learning

Arrange a videoconference presentation or series of programs that are tailored to your programming needs.
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Need lunch?

Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration would be delighted to provide a nutritious and wholesome lunch for your group while they are visiting. Please contact Ocean Blue Catering™ --our onsite catering service -- at 860-572-5955 ext 336.

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