New England Aquarium announces Virtual Academy programming for students

Aquarium brings wonders of the blue planet to young explorers via Zoom

BOSTON, MASS. (November 12, 2020) – The New England Aquarium is offering new standards-aligned virtual programming for K-5 students interested in learning more about ocean science and practicing STEM skills with an Aquarium educator. As more schools manage classes remotely during the pandemic, the Aquarium aims to offer enriching programming options including:

Ocean Animal Life Cycles (grades K-3) 

Explore the unique life cycles of aquatic animals. Observe and compare different ocean animal life cycles and learn how we raise and care for animals at the New England Aquarium. Guided by Aquarium educators, participants will build an understanding of how these animals grow and change over time.

Turtle Rescue (grades 3-5) 

Discover what it takes to be an ocean protector through exploring our sea turtle rescue, rehabilitation, and release work. Investigate the journey of Munchkin, the largest loggerhead sea turtle to come through the Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital and analyze and interpret data, such as that collected from tagging turtles and other ocean animals. With support from an Aquarium educator, participants will build an understanding of the techniques that humans use to safeguard and study animals and habitats and will take action to help protect sea turtles.

Flight, Fight, and Freeze (grades K-5) 

All plants and animals, including humans, have different adaptations to help them to survive. One that many of us have experienced is the flight, fight, and freeze response to stress. Participants will learn from Aquarium educators how to recognize stress responses in themselves and other animals by identifying and understanding the behavioral and physical responses of ocean animals and relating them to their own experiences.

Each program features a video and activity for students to engage with before their virtual interaction, a virtual interaction with Aquarium staff via Zoom, and an activity to complete after the live interaction. All programs are aligned with state and national science standards. The programs are available Monday through Friday at 10:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. The cost is $150 for up to 30 participants. Reservations and payment are required in advance through Central Reservations at (617) 973-5200. For additional questions, please contact virtualprograms@neaq.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Pam Bechtold Snyder, psnyder@neaq.org; 617-686-5068