Schools

Gallons of Fun During February School Break at Aquarium

If you have kids, ages 6 to 12 who might want to learn and play at the Maritime Aquarium during school break, here's a week of programs for them.

Originally posted by Leslie Yager

Children 6 to 12 years old can study otters, build a lava lamp,
stock a real salt-water aquarium and lots more in special programs during  school vacation week, Feb. 17-21, at The Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk.

The Maritime Aquarium’s “Winter Vacation Adventures” invite young students to explore our watery world each day of the school break. For ages 6 to 9, there’s a different topic each day. 

Sign up for one, some or all five. Ages 9 to 12 can take part in the five-day “Junior Marine Biologist" course.

Program hours are 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. Taking into account parents’ busy schedules, the Aquarium is offering pre-care from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and post-care from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

The daily schedule and topics are:

For ages 6 to 9


Mon., Feb. 17 – “Motion Madness.”
 
easily through the water. Go on an aquarium tour to find friends with flippers, fins, legs and tails. See if you can move like a seal, crab or penguin.

Tues., Feb. 18 – “Mammal Mania.” 
harbor seals and river otters, assemble a life-size animal puzzle, handle a real whale skeleton and get special access to the Aquarium’s huge collection of marine-mammal artifacts. Learn about the special adaptations of marine mammals by conducting feeding and blubber simulations, plus attend a special seal feeding.

Wed., Feb. 19 – “Wacky Science Day.” 
wacky activities in the Aquarium’s laboratory of fun. They’ll make pop rockets, mix together ingredients that have a volcanic reaction, magically squeeze an egg through a tiny hole, build miniature lava lamps and more. And, of course, we’ll explore the science behind it all.

Thurs., Feb. 20 – “Sound Art.”
live intertidal animals, learn different artistic techniques and then apply what they’ve learned to marine-themed art projects. From sculpture to painting to cartooning, they’ll create masterpieces to show off at an art show at the end of the day.

Fri., Feb. 21 – “Jazzy Jellies.” 
Learn the differences between vertebrates & invertebrates. Go on an aquarium scavenger hunt for local invertebrates. See and touch live intertidal animals. 
Visit the Aquarium’s new “Jiggle A Jelly” touch-a-jellyfish exhibit. Participate in invertebrate relay races. And enjoy a special live invertebrate presentation from Animal Embassy.

For ages 9 to 12


Feb. 17-21 – “Junior Marine Biologist.” In this five-day program, students get involved in the inner workings of the Aquarium’s animal-husbandry staff, with the goal of setting up, stocking, feeding and maintaining an aquarium display of Long Island Sound marine life. They’ll use water-chemistry meters to monitor water quality, grow brine shrimp to feed their animals and participate in squid and fish dissections.

* * *

Whatever the child’s age, the cost of a “Winter Vacation Adventures” program is $98 per day or $435 for the full week. Maritime Aquarium members receive discounts. Pre-care is $17 additional per day or $72 for the week. Post-care is $33 per day or $143 for the week.

Children should bring a bag lunch, a snack and an appetite for adventure.
Space is limited and advance registration is required. For more details or to download a registration form, go to www.maritimeaquarium.org.
Or for reservations or more details, call (203) 852-0700 ext. 2206.


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