The ocean covers more than 70 percent of our planet. Wherever you live, it influences the weather, soil, air, and geography of your community. To study the ocean is to study the earth itself. Utilizing the Aquarium’s unique settings, participants will conduct experiments to examine two sample sites, measure ocean water salinity, and observe waves and organisms found in each location. All scouts are required to construct a Plankton Net prior to their visit.

Nothing sparks an interest in nature and science like an up-close meeting with live animals. An aquarium educator will introduce students to live crabs and snails. Children will count their legs, describe their body shapes and explain how they feel. Finally, they’ll collect their ideas and observations on an “I Notice, I Wonder” chart.

Among the most amazing and alien life forms on Earth, squid are endlessly fascinating. Scouts will examine real squid specimens to locate and identify the body structures the creatures use for feeding, moving, and protecting themselves. They’ll use tweezers and hand lenses to find a squid’s ink sac, siphon, arms, and tentacles, and will compare a squid’s adaptations to those of fish and jellies.

We want future generations to experience the same diversity of species we enjoy today, which requires human attention to maintain balance and dynamics. Wildlife management is the science and art of managing the animals and fish that we share the planet with. Utilizing the Aquarium’s unique settings, scouts will study animals and fish by observing organisms living in different habitats. Activities include a fish dissection and a 30-minute walking tour of the area around the Aquarium.