Fun & Learning

Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration’s educational philosophy articulates Sea Research Foundation’s mission to advance knowledge of the aquatic world for present and future generations. Success is measured not just in terms of education programs, but by the experience of every visitor to Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration. General public education in terms of visitor experience is Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration’s top priority.

Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration’s education programs aim at building a connection with the natural world and fostering understanding of how organisms, habitats, and ecosystems work. Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration tailors programs to learning levels, physical requirements, and income restrictions, and serves groups of all ages, from pre-school through graduate school. 

Through inquiry-based teaching and hands-on activities, education programs encourage people to use and develop skills such as observing, hypothesizing, experimenting, and drawing conclusions. The programs incorporate lectures, labs, and field trips and use education materials that include live animals, equipment to test physical and chemical properties of Long Island Sound, hand-puppets, life-size costumes, and many other teaching devices.