Keeping in Touch With Your Artistic Side

Aquariums are fascinating places that offer a peek into the enchanting underwater world, which provides children with a unique opportunity to learn and connect with marine life. Organized aquarium field trips for children provide many experiences that extend far beyond the glass tanks. Take a look at why aquarium field trips are beneficial for children, and plan your class's next off-campus educational experience.

Give Students Hands-On Experiences

As an educator, you know that children learn the best when their learning experiences involve as many senses as possible. Aquariums allow visitors to see and often touch many of the marine animals that are in their care. Touching a stingray or watching as a fish glides through the water is an experience that your students won't forget.

Stimulate Learning In a Stress-Free Environment

Classrooms are typically bright and noisy, which can sometimes cause children to struggle with learning new information. Giving students a break from those bright lights and a regimented schedule can open their minds to new information. Aquarium parks tend to have low lighting and a tranquil atmosphere that children enjoy and associate with relaxation. Planning a trip to see the marine life is a great way to give your students a break after prepping for a test or completing a challenging unit.

Encourage Social Development

In an aquarium setting, even a shark seems peaceful and gentle. Students are often allowed to feed certain marine life as part of their experience, which stimulates an appreciation for caring for vulnerable animals and others. During your class trip, your students can also learn about the importance of community engagement. Many aquatic destinations are built upon the need to conserve natural environments for marine life.

Explore New Career Opportunities

Exposing students to as many career paths as possible at an early age makes it more likely that they'll find one that they love. Children may not know a marine biologist in real life, but they might be able to talk to one during their trip. Even if your class doesn't get a chance to talk to a real-life scientist, they'll still meet staff members who can explain how and why they fell in love with a career in animal preservation. Being able to see a staff member care for an octopus or watch during feeding time can inspire students to embark upon a career that lets them live out their dreams.

If you need help planning your trip, contact a local aquarium.