National Aquarium Launches New Virtual Field Trip "Australian Adventure" for Maryland School Students

While most students have returned to in-person learning this fall, field trips are still on hold for most Maryland schools. The National Aquarium is ready to deliver the world's aquatic treasures directly to classrooms through its on-demand virtual programs. In partnership with the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), this programming is free and available to Maryland schools September 2021 through March 2022. Teachers may choose from one of two programs including the new Australian Adventure, Pre-K through Grade 5, and Maryland: Mountains to the Sea, Grades 6-12.

The Australian Adventure virtual field trip is specially curated for younger audiences including a guided conversation with a National Aquarium educator about the Aquarium's Australia: Wild Extremes exhibit, followed by a virtual video tour of the exhibit led by an Aquarium expert. Throughout the 40-minute experience, students will learn how animals adapt to survive in the seasonal extremes of Australia's Northern Territory. In addition, as the class travels through each habitat, the vital importance of water as a connecting thread for all forms of life will be unraveled. Teachers will receive a copy of the video tour of the exhibit for continued use after the program.

The Maryland: Mountains to the Sea virtual field trip includes a video tour of the recently refreshed Maryland: Mountains to the Sea gallery led by an Aquarium expert, followed by a live Q&A session with a National Aquarium educator. Throughout the 40-minute experience, students will learn how water flows across Maryland from the Allegany streams to the Atlantic Ocean. Each animal's story of survival will be revealed as the class takes the journey through unique aquatic habitats. Teachers will receive a copy of the video tour of the gallery for continued use after the program.

"The National Aquarium's education team has worked hard to create new and fun ways to bring the Aquarium to classrooms across Maryland; whether you're teaching Pre-K or high school sophomores, there is a virtual program that can complement your curriculum," said Lauren Fauth, manager of education programs at the National Aquarium. "While we look forward to having more students attend in-person when it's possible, the Aquarium is proud to be able to provide additional options for teachers."

With support from the Maryland State Department of Education, the National Aquarium has engaged with thousands of students through in-person and virtual programming over the years. In-person field trips are also available for scheduling for those schools allowing field trips.