Bring the wonder of the underwater world to your young learners during the stretch between school and dinnertime. Birch Aquarium’s weekly 6-part series is offered to students in grades K-8. Our engaging ocean educators will build upon kids’ curiosity, allowing them to join other learners as they explore ocean science through Zoom in interactive and fun ways. Topics range from discovering ocean habitats and creatures to designing ocean engineering solutions. Financial aid is available. Members: $135; Public: $150.
Based on the high demand for Virtual Summer Learning Adventure Camps, Birch Aquarium is also launching a Virtual After School Series. The 6-week multi-series is offered in the fall, winter, and spring for kindergarten through grade 8 students. The series aims to provide those caring for kids at home with fun and educational experiences to fill some of the hours between school and the early evening. Topics and themes will switch seasonally and build upon kids’ curiosity, allowing them to join others in their age group to explore ocean science in novel ways.
“Our new suite of virtual education programs are the perfect opportunity for ocean enthusiasts to go underwater through virtual and hands-on experiences in hopes of engaging with STEM, combating the loss of learning due to COVID, and inspiring a new group of ocean planet protectors,” said Director of Education Megan Malaska Medley.
In response to the K-12 loss of learning created by recent school closures, Birch Aquarium’s Education Team adapted their Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)-aligned Discovery Lab programs into new 30-and 45-minute virtual opportunities for Pre-K through grade 12 students. These Virtual School Group Programs are led by aquarium instructors and are designed to be exploratory and engaging, as they encourage students to ask questions and virtually interact with ocean creatures.
“Most school districts anticipate using a virtual or blended learning environment for the remainder of the school year, and unfortunately, those who are most adversely affected by this are students attending Title 1 schools. Birch Aquarium believes that all students should have equitable access to STEM learning opportunities, and we are so thankful to have financial aid available to ensure that every student is able to connect to the wonders of the ocean, even during this significant learning shift,” said Medley.
