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Learning Labs - Middle School

Date: Feb 11 - May 20, 2025
Time: 8:45 AM - 11:00 AM

Dive into Homeschool at Mississippi Aquarium

Mississippi Aquarium welcomes homeschool families and groups to visit, explore, and participate in hands-on educational activities. Our themed programs are designed for students of all ages and are the perfect complement to any science curriculum.

MORE LEARNING – MORE FUN!

Dive Deeper into learning with this in-classroom program that focuses on the specific Homeschool Days topic of the month! Each day offered is designed for different grade levels and will include a lesson, activity, STEM project, biofact presentation, animal ambassador and a self-guided craft.

Learning Labs last approximately 2 hours.

Must be booked in advance! Maximum of 35 participants each day.

Program Time: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

CHECK-IN TIME: 8:40 AM - 9 AM

LOCATION: River/Delta in CTA Building

Program Cost: Advanced Purchase ONLY - Online

Student pk-12 | $18.50

Adult | $20

What Should Students Expect?

After check-in, students will meet with one of the Aquarium's educators who will introduce the week's topic. Students will then partake in hands-on, educational activity stations, supervised by an educator. Supplemental materials will be available to guide learning during the activity. There will be an opportunity to meet one of our animal ambassadors and tour the Aquarium at your leisure.


IMPORTANT INFORMATION

  • Your Homeschool Day Admission Ticket is only good for the day printed on the ticket. (Click on the attachment to view your tickets.)
  • Parking is available both on the street and in the CTA parking garage.
    • CTA charges a fee to park in their garage, Address: 1401 20th Ave, Gulfport, MS 39501
    • Street parking is available; be aware of 1 hour parking signage
  • No refunds, no rainchecks

NEW - ANNUAL PASS HOLDERS

  • ALL Students K-12 require a homeschool day admission ticket.
  • Parents and Chaperones -may use their annual pass for admission to homeschool days. NOTE: picture ID must be presented with the annual pass at the time of entry.
  • Annual Pass Holders do not receive a discount on Homeschool Day Tickets.
Space is limited. We recommend you pre-register and purchase your tickets in advance.

Program Time

8:45 AM - 11:00 AM

Offered once each month
CHECK-IN TIME
8:40 AM - 9 AM

Program Cost

Advanced Purchase ONLY
Student pk-12 | $18.50
Adult | $20

2025 Spring Homeschool Topics

January 15

Penguin Party

It’s nice and cold, just like the penguins like it, or do they? Students will learn about penguin anatomy and conservation through our hands-on activities! Join our Penguin Party as we learn more about the fascinating physical features of these unique birds!

February 19

Paws & Claws (Otter & Beaver Day)

What’s a mammal that likes to spend part of their time on land, but also in the water? Beavers and Otters are unique semi-aquatic animals that are found in Mississippi! Students will learn about Beavers’ homes, Otter and Beaver anatomy, conservation, and how we care for our residents Beavers and Otters. Come learn more about these semi-aquatic animals!


February 11

Learning Lab - Middle School

Lesson - All about Beavers
STEM - Build a Dam Challenge
Lab - Tool Time
Craft - Cardboard Otter magnet

February 14

Learning Lab - High School

Lesson - Marine Mammal
STEM - Build a Dam Challenge
Lab – Tool Time
Craft - Otter ring holder (clay) will paint at home

March 19

Fin-tastic Dolphins

Do Dolphins have fins, flippers, or both? You and your students will learn about the physical features of dolphins that help them survive in their aquatic world! Dive deeper into the fin-tastic world of dolphins as students explore hunting strategies, dolphin anatomy, and speak with our team of marine mammal trainers.



March 11

Learning Lab - Middle School

Lesson - Mammals
STEM - Oil Spill Challenge
Lab - Squid Dissection
Craft - Whale and Dolphin Suncatcher

March 14

Learning Lab - High School

Lesson - Whale or Dolphin? The Evolution of the Whale
STEM - Team Maze Race
Lab – Squid Dissection
Craft - Whale and Dolphin Suncatcher

April 16

Reptiles Rock

What’s cold blooded, has scales, and uses camouflage? Reptiles make up 2% of the animal population. Despite such a small population, reptiles have some amazing survival adaptations. Students will learn the characteristics of reptiles, adaptations, and conservation!



April 22

Learning Lab - Middle School

Lesson - Reptile or Amphibian?
STEM - Thermosensitive play dough / Glue-on snake (snake shed)
Lab - Temp of Materials
Craft - Reptile Eye magnet

April 25

Learning Lab - High School

Lesson - Lifecycles- focus on metamorphosis
STEM - observing behavior
Lab – Frog dissection
Craft - Reptile Eye magnet

May 14

Careers at the Aquarium

What does it take to run an aquarium? What kind of staff do you need to help make sure all the animals are healthy? Through hands-on activities and science equipment, students will learn what it takes to operate an aquarium!



May 20

Learning Lab - Middle School

Lesson - Education Track & Zoo/ Aquarium Jobs
STEM - Hurricane House Challenge
Lab - BOH Vet Tour
Craft - Ocean Slime

May 23

Learning Lab - High School

Lesson - Education Track & Zoo/ Aquarium Jobs
STEM - If I Built an Aquarium
Lab – BOH Vet Tour
Craft - Sea Shell Art

All of Mississippi Aquarium’s Education Programs meet MS College & Career Readiness Standards and Next Generation Science Standards.


For inquiries or additional information, please call (228)241-1285 or email at fieldtrips@msaquarium.org.

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