Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration is training a new member of our sea lion show. His name is Bommerang!

Grades 9-12

All grade 9-12 programs focus on scientific inquiry and literacy, the ability to read, write, discuss and present coherent ideas about science. They are designed to bring science to life and encourage students to identify questions that can be answered through scientific investigation.

THIS CLASS CAN TRAVEL TO YOU

RESEARCHER FOR A DAY - MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
Join us for a unique 4-hour program that gives students an opportunity to explore the many wonders of the Aquarium, as well as a chance to replicate and clone Beluga Whale DNA! Students will be introduced to molecular biology and genetics through hands-on lab activities throughout the day and will have their own Aquarium educator to guide them through our many exhibits - both inside and outside. At the end of the program, students will come away with a greater understanding of biology, genetics and the research that is performed at the Aquarium - not to mention a photograph of the DNA they helped to create!

• Program totals 4 hours.
• Maximum class size is 25.
  
• Lunch space is provided for the group.
  
• Cost of program: $20 per student.
  
• CT State Science Standards Addressed: 10.3, 10.5
  
• CT Enrichment Standards: Cell Biology, Genetics, Physiology

CLIMATE CHANGE
Climate change is affecting the Earth's vast ecosystems - and animals from the harp seals and polar bears of the Arctic to the Amazon's rainforest inhabitants are feeling the effects. But what is causing this change? In this program, students learn how human technology has increased greenhouse gases and global warming rates, as well as other climate changes which impact life in every ecosystem - and will leave with a greater understanding not only of our destructive environmental impact, but also of current plans to rectify the situation.

• CT State Science Standards Addressed: 9.3, 9.6, 9.8, 9.9, 10.6.
• CT Enrichment Standards: Ecology, Energy in the Earth System, Structure and Composition of the Atmosphere

COMPARATIVE EVOLUTION
How are humans and whales similar and different? Students will take part in a hands-on lab experience to discover the physiological and anatomical ways in which whales have evolved to adapt to a fully aquatic lifestyle. This focus on comparative anatomy and physiology is a fantastic way to reinforce classification and touch on evolution.

Lengthen your class! Turn this experience into a 90-minute class that involves additional lab time and extra animal specimens.

• CT State Science Standard Addressed: 10.5
• CT Enrichment Standards: Evolution, Physiology

CAREER EXPLORATION
Find out about the variety of marine-related career opportunities available to your students. From designing deep sea vehicles to analyzing blood and water samples to developing interactive programs for visitors; students will understand what it takes to keep an educational research facility like ours running successfully. We would love to see some of them as part of our staff someday!
Lengthen your class! See marine careers in action in a special behind-the-scenes tour.

VET MYSTERY
A stranded seal is rescued and arrives at Mystic Aquarium's Seal Stranding Clinic. Now what happens? Students take on the role of marine veterinarian, examining x-rays, analyzing white blood cell counts and reviewing other medical results to try to find out what caused the stranding. Each new finding is a clue to the animal's prognosis. Using actual case studies from our archives, this is a fantastic experience in real animal science.

Lengthen your class! Extend to a 90-minute class for a more in-depth lab experience.

• CT State Science Standard Addressed: 10.1

All programs require advanced registration. For details and reservation information see the Details & Reservation Information page, or call the reservations department at 860-572-5955 ext 520