MARINE EDUCATION AND MARITIME STUDENT PROGRAMS FOR 2006 - 2007

Atlantic City Aquarium Tour

Upon arrival students will have a guided tour of both our Mid-Atlantic Ocean Tank and our hands-on Touch Tank. Students will be invited to touch all of the local invertebrates and beach residents housed in the Touch Tank. Next, students are informed of the various additional wet exhibits located on the first floor and are free to explore these exhibits at their leisure. This includes twelve additional aquarium tanks containing local and tropical fish species, live coral and an exhibition room. On the second floor students will have the opportunity to explore marine and maritime subjects in more depth. This floor features six habitats featuring Fish of the Amazon River, Diamondback Terrapins, Mullica River Habitat, Bearded Dragons and our new tropical rainforest exhibit. Other exhibits on this floor include "The Art of Sailing" and "Sites and Sounds of the Sea". Additionally, students can obtain more information at our fifteen stations, interactive computer "Learning Center" or they may choose to view one of our marine life movies, which are available every hour. The third level is the observation area which provides a panoramic view of the salt marsh, Absecon Inlet, Atlantic Ocean and the islands of Brigantine and Atlantic City and features a collection of antique dive helmets from around the world.

NEW FOR 2006-07

Atlantic City Aquarium’s Pollution Solution Tour

Explore, search, discover, play, and learn at the aquarium

Come explore the salt marsh. Search along the beach for objects that don’t belong there. Solve the mystery of how unwanted objects arrive on the shoreline, and discover ways to keep the environment clean. Play a game about pollution and learn about it’s affect on wildlife.

Atlantic City Aquarium & Salt Marsh Tour

Introduction to the Salt Marsh: After a tour of the Atlantic City Aquarium and lecture on wetland ecology, participants will travel to a local salt marsh for hands on study. This includes information and observation of migrant and residential species, beach geology (e.g. the purpose of dunes, and plant and bird identification). All students will participate in a guided "seining" exercise, calling on students to wade and collect species by dragging the shallow bay. Students will also excavate a small section of the marsh for specimen collection and discussion, concluding with a beach walk and shell-collection expedition.

ECO-TOURS

Available April, Early May, September, October and November

Students arrive at the Atlantic City Aquarium and board a 50-food pontoon boat on which they will travel into the Inter-Coastal waterway. They will pass several marsh islands and see nesting shorebirds. The students will assist in the casting out and reeling in an otter trawl net while learning about the animals collected. Next, students will visit a “Living Salt Marsh”. They will learn what a salt marsh is, its purpose and uses, salt marsh life, bird migration and much, much more. Finally, students will tour the Ocean Life Center learning about the animals in our main tank and experience hands-on interaction at the “Touch Tank” Call 609-348-2880 ext. 17 for prices.

NEW FOR 2006 - 07

Atlantic City Aquarium & Ecology Cruise

Classroom on the Ocean: A delightful cruise ideal for students of all ages. Highlights include the fragile Back Bay eco-system of the coastal wetlands and looking for local and migratory birds. Students will have the opportunity to watch the fishermen and commercial crabbers harvest their catch. In addition the trips will take students past new jersey’s only “Wind Farm” located right here in Atlantic City. Your field trip concludes with a guided tour of the Atlantic City Aquarium.

Atlantic City Aquarium & Absecon Lighthouse Tour

This one-of-a-kind program addresses the New Jersey State Core Curriculum Standards for fourth grade. Using the resources of two South Jersey cultural/educational centers, this program is the most comprehensive program of its kind. We bring math, science, social studies and history to life in a fun, engaging way this is guaranteed to help fourth graders achieve mastery of their core curriculum requirements. Your educational experience includes pre-trip study guide, hand-outs and worksheets for copying, equipment for experiments, ready-made field trips that brings it all together in a fun, engaging way, post-trip follow-up work.

“Outreach Program” & “Ocean In Motion”

Bring the “Atlantic City Aquarium” to your school with our “Ocean in Motion”. The Atlantic City Aquarium will bring a portable “Touch Tank” to your school. Our trained staff members will give your students a lesson on the invertebrates’ resident to local waters while offering a hands-on learning experience. A terrific educational experience for your students. Call 609-348-2880 ext. 17 for prices