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.

Ever wonder how we can take care of over 7,000 animals daily at the aquarium? Join us for an off-exhibit tour for an exploration of a side of the Aquarium that most guests don’t see! Start with a guided tour of our exciting animal habitats, then view the “Ocean Beyond the Sound” exhibit - with its 7-foot sharks - from above and our “Fish Kitchen” to learn how our aquarists meet the nutritional needs of all the animals.

Calling all Daisy scientists! In our Animal Observer program, your scientist will use their observation skills to learn more about some of the animals we have at the aquarium. We will start by using our sense of sight to watch animals in their exhibit habitats and record our observations. Then, we will move to the classroom for hands-on activities focusing on camouflage and animal tracks! This program will help complete requirements 1, 2, and 3.

Scientists need our help! Start by learning about some of the community/citizen science projects The Maritime Aquarium is partnered with, as well as take some real data. We will go outside (weather permitting) to take a plankton and water sample from the dock, use microscopes to observe the plankton and record our observations. Then, by observing animals throughout the aquarium, we can brainstorm how we would study them in their natural habitat with our own community/citizen science project! This program will help complete the requirements for the Think Like a Citizen Scientist Journey.

To help us learn about animals all over the world, we will visit the animals we have in our care at the Aquarium. Just like scientists, we will study the animals in their habitat to understand how they are able to survive and discuss what may happen if their home changes. This program will help complete requirements 1, 2, and 4 of the Animal Habitats Badge.