Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration and Immersion Presents are divisions of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., a private, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing oceanographic exploration and marine life education, conservation and research.

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 CAN TRAVEL TO YOU 
 THIS CLASS INCLUDES A LIVE INVERTEBRATE TOUCH AND LEARN
THIS CLASS INCLUDES A TOUCH AND LEARN WITH A LIVE REPILE

  NEW! Amazing Reptile Adaptations 

What is a blue-tongued skink and is its tongue really blue? Does a bearded dragon really have a beard – and what does it use it for? Students will discover 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. Explore some of the ways local Native Americans utilized plants and animals from the sea and how scientists are learning more about these fascinating people.

Suggested book to complement the program: “Clambake: A Wampanoag Tradition” by Russell Peters
CT State Science Standards Addressed: 2.3, 2.4, 3.4

Beluga Whales
Why doesn’t the beluga whale have a dorsal fin like so many other whales? What does a beluga use its melon for? Why would a beluga spit a mouthful of water at the sea floor? These questions and more will be answered as students learn about the incredible physical and behavioral adaptations of these wonderful white whales.

Suggested book to complement the program: “Beluga Whales” by Tony Martin
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’ve 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

Fierce or Friendly?
Some animals make you turn around and swim in the other direction, fast! Are these animals really fierce -- or are they friendly and just misunderstood? Animals like sea jellies and horseshoe crabs will be the focus of this class featuring misunderstood animals.

Suggested books to complement the program: “Floating Jellyfish” by Kathleen Martin-James, and “Crab Moon” by Ruth Horowitz
CT State Science Standard Addressed: 3.2

NEW! 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

All programs require advanced registration. For details and reservation information see the Details & Reservation Information page, or call the reservations department at 860-572-5955 ext 520