Regional educators will have an opportunity to see first-hand what’s offered to school groups during Teacher Appreciation Day on Saturday, Jan. 16, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Educators simply need to show a current teacher ID or paystub at the Aquarium’s ticketing center to visit the Aquarium and IMAX 3D Theater at no cost. The offer is good for one teacher and one guest.
These days, supporting schools and teachers with free offers is more important than ever. “We have a wide range of standards-based programs to offer students from Pre-K to twelfth grade,” said Jennifer Latour, the Aquarium’s education coordinator.
“Unfortunately, many educators are unaware that these classroom programs are available without cost to any school group visiting the Aquarium with ten or more students.”
Additional guest tickets may be purchased that day at the education group rates listed below:
-Child (through 12th grade): $6.50 Aquarium; $10.25 Aquarium + IMAX
-Additional Chaperone: $19.95 Aquarium; $25.95 Aquarium + IMAX
Throughout the day, Tennessee Aquarium educators will provide brief information sessions, classroom tours, point out available online tools and offer free classroom materials.
“Teachers will get to see everything that’s new at the Aquarium and gain insight into the many ways our programs supplement their lesson plans,” said Ms. Latour.
Classroom spaces are available in the River Journey building and in the IMAX Center. With multiple locations, Aquarium educators are also able to work with teachers to maximize their time here.
“We can turn lunch time into a learning experience during our free ‘Lunch & Learn’ programs which include special presentations, hands-on activities or animal encounters,” said Ms. Latour.
Some educators may be surprised to learn that the Tennessee Aquarium is the only zoo or aquarium in the United States that is accredited as a supplementary education school by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, also known as AdvancED. Every fun-filled program offered at the Aquarium correlates to the national and state science standards for Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee.
A few teachers might discover ways to explore multiple subjects at the Aquarium. “Some educators are beginning to incorporate our newest exhibit, Jellies: Living Art, in their lesson plans to show how nature fuels artistic expression,” said Ms. Latour.
Educators who sign up for the Aquarium’s education e-newsletter during Teacher Appreciation Day on Jan. 16 will be registered to win a free field trip to the Tennessee Aquarium and IMAX 3D Theater complete with up to $100 reimbursement for transportation.
Tennessee Aquarium Education Department Fast Facts:
- Over 100,000 students visited the Tennessee Aquarium in 2009.
- Grant funding will help increase Aquarium classroom capacity to serve more students.
- The Aquarium offers HD distance learning and education outreach programs.
- Students learn about biodiversity, Civil War history and the cultural significance of the Tennessee River aboard the River Gorge Explorer.
- Aquarium educators produce fun-filled learning adventures for summer campers. (Registration begins March 1.)