Many children consider the world's ocean as so distant and awesome, so vast and deep, that they rarely think about their connections to this vital element of nature.
With more than 70% of our planet covered by water, it is important that future generations of decision makers are informed about this fragile resource. The ocean is fascinating, complex and fragile. In order to protect it, we must understand it.
At The Pier Aquarium, we believe that the more children know about the oceans and come to understand them, the more they will care for them and want to work hard to protect them from pollution or destruction. They are the future stewards of Earth and the ecosystem as we know it.
Teachers, Come Discover another World
The Pier Aquarium offers a variety of field and classroom education programs for K-12 educators and
home school teachers and their students that are aligned with the most recent Sunshine State Standards and FCAT benchmarks. We invite all to participate in our hands-on learning opportuntieis to explore our diverse marine environments from around the world.
Starting in our own backyard of Tampa Bay, we journey to the Atlantic, voyage through the Caribbean and Pacific coral reefs and come back to Florida waters.
Close partnerships with institutions and organizations such as the Florida Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the University of South Florida College of Marine Science, St. Petersburg College and Mote Marine Laboratory enable us to highlight cutting edge scientific research in Florida Red Tide, coastal ocean observing systems, invasive species and habitat restoration.
Teachers can visit the Aquarium at their own pace to prepare for a class study trip. Simply show proof of current I.D. (current pay stub or school I.D.) at the admission counter for a complimentary ticket during regular business hours (10am-8pm) Monday-Friday only.
The free admission policy for children 6 and under is not applicable to groups or unscheduled group visits by children escorted by teachers.
Contact Information:
Susan Sawyer, Education Coordinator,
ssawyer@pieraquarium.orgOffice Phone:(727) 895-7437, ext. 205
Fax: (727) 894-1212
Mailing Address:
The Pier Aquarium
800 Second Ave. NE, Suite 2001
St. Petersburg, FL 33701-3503
Click here for the complete education brochure or click on the program links for more information.
On-Site Education Programs
In the Water, Out of the Water
Surf 'N Turf: two hours Monday-Friday: 10am-noon
Maximum: 40 students per program
Available to public, private and home school groups; summer programs also available
Pre-K-5th Grade: Ages 4-11
$4 per pupil
Minimum: $80 includes up to two free teachers and two free chaperones
$5 for each additional chaperone
6th-12th Grade: Ages 12-18
$5 per student
Minimum: $100 includes up to two free teachers and two free chaperones
$5 for each additional chaperone
Join our education staff for an indoor and outdoor experience! The adventure begins with a unique and interactive tour inside the aquarium. Explore living coral, stop at our touch tank and learn about fish from Tampa Bay and all over the world. Then step outside to the Roy G. Harrell, Jr. Education Station at Spa Beach. With nets and discovery buckets in hand, students wade in the water and catch a variety of fish, sea stars, sea urchins, hermit crabs and more! Learn about each animal that is caught and how they survive.
Family and friends are welcome but will be required to purchase their admissions.
Tour the World
Guided Tour: one hour
Monday-Friday: 10-11am or 11am-noon
Maximum: 20 people per program
Available to public, private and home school groups; summer programs also available
Pre-K-5th Grade: Ages 4-11
$2 per pupil
Minimum: $40 includes up to two free teachers and two free chaperones
$5 for each additional chaperone
6th-12th Grade: Ages 12-18
$4 per student
Minimum: $80 includes up to two free teachers and two free chaperones
$5 for each additional chaperone
Adults, 18+ years
$6 per student
Minimum: $120 includes up to two free teachers and two free chaperones
$5 for each additional chaperone
A scheduled "hands-on” gallery tour of The Pier Aquarium by an Education staffer introduces students to marine life of various oceanic environments found throughout the world. Stop by the Touch Tank for an up-close and personal visit with animals from our collection.
Other Learning Opportunities
See our lesson plans that can be used before or after a visit to The Pier Aquarium. Don't forget to check out the weekly Celebrity Critter Fact Sheet for fishy information.
It's also fun to learn at our "FISH-ful Saturday" events on land and sea scheduled the first Saturday of the month from noon-2pm. These programs are free with a paid admission to the aquarium.
Our daily touch tank experience is scheduled from 1-4pm. Visitors to the aquarium get up close and personal with the inhabitants of our touch tanks and can help with the fish feeding. For their assistance, they will receive an official Fish Feeder Certificate!
Off-Site Education Programs
Mobile Touch Tank: 1 1/2 hours
$100 flat rate up to 20 miles per round trip; $1 per extra mile
Maximum: 50 students
$4 for each additional student
Can't make a trip to The Pier Aquarium and Spa Beach? Let us come to you. A marine educator will bring a touch tank for a classroom visit. We'll select an assortment of crustaceans, echinoderms and other invertebrates from living collection. All you need to bring is your curiosity!
Aqua-Outreach Kits: two-week rental
$50 flat fee
$10 delivery fee, if requested, for up to 20 miles per round trip; $1 per extra mile
Check this kit out and take it to your classroom. Each kit includes educational materials such as activities, lessons and crafts for K-4th grade. To reserve a kit, please call: (727) 895-7437, ext. 205.
Coral Reef Explorations
Elasmobranch Encounters
Hurricane's a' coming
Marine Mammals featuring Millie the Manatee
Sea Turtle Survival
Free Program
Ocean in Motion
Bring The [ier Aquarium to the classroom. Ocean in Motion provides classes in Pinellas County the opportunity to learn about marine science and animal care through a variety of hands-on activities. Participating schools are provided a working touch tank aquarium, animals, maintenance support and a six-week ocean education curriculum. A Marine Education staff member will visit your classroom once a week for an organized program.
3rd-5th Grade: Ages 8-11
OIM is a FREE, six-week program available year-round on a first-come, first-serve basis.
2010 Ocean in Motion sponsors:
The Alvah H. and Wyline P.
Chapman Foundation
The Pier Aquarium actively encourages teachers to utilize their community for meaningful learning through ocean exploration. The Pier Aquarium regularly offers teacher workshops in collaboration with the National Oceanic Atmosphere Administration (NOAA) with Pinellas County Schools, Centers for Ocean Science Education Excellence Network (COSEE) and the University of South Florida College of Marine Science.
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