Professional Development
Teachers, The Maritime Aquarium’s Education Department provides a variety of workshops to help you achieve your goals! In all programs for teachers, we demonstrate ways that Long Island Sound, the Aquarium and marine life can be used to teach standards-based science. We model activities that can be done in the classroom, as well as during field trips to the Aquarium and at other relevant sites, such as local beaches and salt marshes.
Upcoming Workshops
See below for upcoming professional development workshops at the Aquarium!
Climate Change in the Classroom
August 8 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at The Maritime Aquarium
Join Aquarium educators and regional experts for a comprehensive workshop on teaching the #1 environmental challenge of our time: Climate change! Dive into the latest climate science and learn how climate change fits into the N.G.S.S. Plus, discover best practices for engaging with skepticism, teaching climate through lenses of environmental justice and resilience, and handling emotional responses to this challenging topic. You'll come away armed with activities, data visualizations, local contacts and more resources for building or enriching your curriculum.
Workshop support is provided by NOAA's Environmental Literacy Program and registration is free to all 6th-12 grade teachers. Teachers in Norwalk, Bridgeport, Greenwich, Fairfield, New Canaan, Stamford, Darien, Westport, Wilton, Weston, and Stratford receive a $100 stipend for participation.
Register online below or by calling our Reservations Department at (203) 852-0700, extension 2206.
Click Here to Register
From Roots to STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering, & Math for Early Childhood Professionals
August 9 from 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at The Maritime Aquarium
Participation in STEM activities helps students to develop problem-solving, inquiry and critical-thinking skills. In this workshop, preschool teachers will discover how to use the natural world to incorporate early STEM concepts into their curriculum. Teachers will get hands-on training in critical areas including STEM teaching techniques for early childhood, how to integrate STEM with other subjects, and the key STEM standards that every preschool teacher should know.
Since 2016, The Maritime Aquarium has been a founding partner in the Maritime Odyssey Preschool, a marine-themed, STEM-oriented full-day preschool serving more than 200 children in South Norwalk. This workshop will be based on the curriculum our educators have implemented and the lessons we’ve learned over the past three years.
The cost for this workshop is $50. Register online below or by calling our Reservations Department at (203) 852-0700, extension 2206.
Click Here to Register
Free Previews Before You Bring Your Class ...
Available for Teachers & Administrators in Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey
For both the free movies and cruises, advance reservations are required. These offers are for qualified licensed educators currently teaching in Connecticut, New York, or New Jersey with proper school I.D. only. Accompanying friends and family members of educators must purchase tickets.
Book your movie seat and/or cruise ticket by calling our Reservations Office: (203) 852-0700, extension 2206, Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Screen an IMAX Movie
With advance reservations, teachers can preview our standard IMAX movies at any public screening for free. Click Here to View our IMAX Movie Schedule to see what's playing on the day you want to visit.
Come Out on a Study Cruise!
If you have not experienced a Marine Life Encounter Cruise, we want you aboard! From May through Labor Day, you can join us on any regularly scheduled public Marine Life Encounter Cruise aboard our unique hybrid-electric research vessel at no charge.