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.

Preschool and Kindergarten Programs

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

All Pre-K & K 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 can travel to you

NEW! A Hermit Crab Hideaway

Kids are fascinated by hermit crabs, and by how they live in and change shells as they grow. In this class, students become these animals, participating in a fun interactive skit as they read a story and act out life in the ocean. Kids delight in learning how hermit crabs camouflage themselves while decorating a shell with sea anemones, corals, sea stars and more!

Suggested book to complement the program: " Does Anyone Know Where a Hermit Crab Goes?" by Michael Glaser
CT State Science Standard Addressed: K.2

Ocean Locomotion

Will Rocky the rock crab or Octy the octopus ever be able to teach baby beluga how to swim? Find out the answer in this irresistible puppet show designed to teach students how marine animals move.

Suggested book to complement the program: " ABC's of the Sea" by Shannon Casey Celia
CT State Science Standard Addressed: K.2

Penguin Palooza

All children love to imitate penguins -- so think how much fun it would be to see a classmate dressed up as one from beak to tail! Through movement and hands on activities, students will love learning about these adorable "birds that can't fly."

Please note: Live penguins are not included as a part of this class. Suggested books to complement the program: "Penguin Pete" by Marcus Pfister, and "Baby Penguin" by Aubrey Lang
CT State Science Standard Addressed: K.2

Sea Colors

(Recommended for Pre-K)
Why are some sea animals vibrantly colorful while others can barely be seen in their ocean home? Though a variety of educational activities and games, this class teaches about the importance of color for identification and survival in the ocean.

Suggested book to complement the program: "How to Hide an Octopus" by Ruth Heller
CT State Science Standard Addressed: K.2

Suitcase of Surprises

(Recommended for Kindergarten)
What kind of surprises might children encounter in the magical aquarium suitcase? Clownfish, eels, anemones, flounder and sharks, to name just a few. Learning comes alive as students discover the numerous adaptations that equip these animals for life in the ocean, while they act as pieces of a great ocean survival game.

Suggested book to complement the program: "Rainbow Fish & Friends Hide and Seek" by Marcus Pfister
CT State Science Standard Addressed: K.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