Mystic Aquarium

On Monday, May 16, Mystic Aquarium’s Sea School Scholars were treated to a Skype®-based microscope lesson from University of California, Berkeley’s Dr. Daniel Fletcher, a world-renowned scientist in the field of microscopy. Among his other numerous achievements, Dr. Fletcher was formerly a White House Fellow and a Rhodes Scholar, and has committed his time and energy to developing the next generation of scientists and researchers.

Sea School Scholars is an afterschool program for students ages 6 to 8, and this unique opportunity was developed by a Sea School Scholars father, Sanjay Gupta, who, as part of the Forum of Young Global Leaders in Geneva, Switzerland, is committed to supporting innovation in early childhood education around the world. Combining technology, distance learning and basic science, this lesson complements Mystic Aquarium’s strong commitment to education.

Commenting on the program and the microscope lesson, Gupta stated “I am proud that my children are part of this innovative experiment in early childhood education, and I applaud the efforts of the program director, Ms. Mary Beth Sweeney, the vision of Mystic Aquarium in supporting her work, and Dr. Fletcher for donating his time and energy to help enhance the educational experience that our children in this country so desperately need.”

Mystic Aquarium offers educational opportunities year-round for students of all ages and creates a meaningful appreciation for nature through an aquarium setting. Mystic Aquarium is home to Sea School, the nation’s first and only aquarium-based licensed preschool program, and offers summer camps, conservation and educational programs, and an accredited college course, Seminar on Marine Mammals, for University of Rhode Island and University of Connecticut students. Additionally, Sea Research Foundation, Mystic Aquarium’s parent company, connects students around the world with scientists and researchers through The JASON Project and Immersion Learning.

About Mystic Aquarium
Mystic Aquarium is a division of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, and is counted among the nation’s leading aquariums with more than 300 species and an extensive collection of marine mammals, including New England’s only beluga whales. Mystic Aquarium has been a pioneer in offering guests a variety of up close encounters with a wide range of marine animals. The mission of Sea Research is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through education, research and exploration. Learn more at www.mysticaquarium.org or www.searesearch.org.

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