The New England Aquarium is committed to providing interactive and informative programming for students in homeschool programs.

Please check out our offerings and thank you for choosing us for your next homeschool field trip.

Homeschool Days

On Mondays between September 10 and December 17, 2018, the New England Aquarium invites homeschool families to take advantage of special pricing during a visit to the Aquarium. Daily Aquarium programming opportunities are scheduled throughout the day, including Live Animal Presentations, Seal Training Sessions, and Giant Ocean Tank Talks. Please check the daily schedule for times.

Rates and Reservations

Homeschool families can buy tickets in advance or at the Box Office at the school rate of admission ($11.95 for children and $19.95 for adults). When you make your reservation at least one business day in advance via telephone, you are eligible to receive one free chaperone ticket per homeschool family who is visiting the Aquarium and purchasing child tickets for admission.

Homeschool Field Trip days will be available to book on August 1, 2018. To book your tickets, please call Central Reservations at 617-973-5206. A $2 service fee will be added to all reservations.

Contact groupsales@neaq.org for more information.

 

Fall 2018 Homeschool Programming Schedule 

Tidepools, squid, and animal observation will come alive during the Fall 2018 Homeschool Programs at the New England Aquarium!

On Mondays, September 24, October 22, and November 26, 2018, the New England Aquarium invites families who homeschool their children to visit and experience special programming. Each Homeschool Program includes a visit to the New England Aquarium, a hands-on experimental class, and an informative educational session with a New England Aquarium staff member. Meet a Scientist sessions include an informative presentation followed by a question-and-answer period and related activities.

September 24, 2018: Tidepools

Explore local ecosystems and practice observation skills with three age-appropriate classes. Tidepools Alive (K-2) uses guided imagery, a child-size costume, and live animals to explore and interact with local tidepool animals while learning basic biology and anatomy. In Tidepool Adaptations (3-5), students discover how coastal animals have adapted to life in their environments by examining three different shoreline habitats and interacting with the animals that live there. In Intertidal Ecology (6-12), students explore cornerstones of ecological theory through interactions with intertidal live organisms and math. You can learn more at home about tidepools by watching these videos at the Shape of Life website.  

• 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Meet a Scientist
• 12 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. Tidepool Alive! K–2
• 1 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Tidepool Adaptations 3–5
• 2 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Intertidal Ecology 6–12

October 22, 2018: Data and Observation

How do scientists observe and describe animal behavior? In this class, students will practice real data collection techniques with a favorite model organism – the coastal hermit crab. Data and collection methods will be available to take home for further exploration. You can learn more at home about animal behavior by watching these videos at the Shape of Life website or through these at-home activities on Acoustic Tagging and Be an Ethologist at Home. 

• 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Meet a Scientist
• 12 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. Science FUNdamentals: Data & Observation K–2
• 1 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Science FUNdamentals: Data & Observation 3–5
• 2 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Science FUNdamentals: Data & Observation 6–12

November 26, 2018: Squid Anatomy

Through hands-on exploration of a real squid, students receive an introduction to dissection skills while learning to appreciate one of the most fascinating animals in the ocean. Teams of 3-4 students will work together to dissect squid, with step-by-step guidance from an Aquarium educator. You can learn more at home about squid anatomy by watching these videos at the Shape of Life website or through these at-home activities on nautilus buoyancy, squid size, cephalopod locomotion lab for middle school students, or cephalopod locomotion for elementary school students.

• 10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Meet a Scientist
• 12 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. Squid Anatomy K–2
• 1 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Squid Anatomy 3–5
• 2 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Squid Anatomy 6–12

Pricing

Individual Programs

Single program: $25.95 per child participant; $19.95 per adult participant
Chaperone (1 chaperone ticket per paid child participant): No charge

Member single program: $22.95 per child participant; $17.95 per adult participant
Member chaperone (1chaperone ticker per paid child participant): No charge

Full Series Pricing

Includes admission to the offerings of each Homeschool Program scheduled for September 24, October 22, and November 26, 2018. Please note that priority is given to child participants for the informative educational sections.

Series program participant: $67.50
Member series program participant: $60.00

Lunch vouchers are available for the Harbor View Café for $10.00 plus tax per person. Lunch vouchers include an entrée choice of any salad or sandwich, nuggets and fries, any burger, or any pizza, a drink choice of a fountain soda, milk, or chocolate milk, and a dessert choice of either a cookie, a brownie, or piece of fruit. Lunch vouchers must be requested in advance. A programming break has been scheduled between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m. on Homeschool Programming days for students to socialize while eating lunch.

Make a Reservation

To book your tickets, please call Central Reservations at 617-973-5206. A $2.00 service fee will be added to all reservations.

Activities for Homeschoolers

Below, find activities to help you explore the Aquarium more deeply. These activities encourage content learning and improve science skills as well as support math and literacy development. You can choose to focus on ecology, ethology, or zoology, or focus on the skills practiced. Pick a focus area to guide your own experience through the Aquarium. Aquarium educators will be available to help you work on these investigations. Each activity includes a list of recommended materials to bring with you. A pencil and clipboard are always recommended.

If you would like to be placed on an email list for homeschooling updates, please email groupsales@neaq.org.