Jenkinson’s Aquarium offers educators an effective way to introduce the wonders of the aquatic world to their students. Our education programs provide an excellent introduction or conclusion to your unit of study, and are an exciting experience that students will remember forever. Guided tours are available year round. Focus programs are available from September through February. All tours and focus programs are adapted to the appropriate grade level and support the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards..
Enhance your guided tour with a focus program! Join us in our classroom for approximately 1/2 hour to discuss the topic of your choice in depth. Aquarium education specialists will use a hands-on, interactive approach to allow your students to teach themselves and each other about your focus topic. Focus programs are available from September through February, and can be booked along with a guided tour by calling Group Sales at (732) 892-3274. If you would like to discuss the content of your focus program or to design a new focus program, please contact the education coordinator at (732) 899-1659.
Learning Today for a
Cleaner Barnegat Bay *
Wade through the extensive diversity of plant and animal life inhabiting the Barnegat Bay. Learn how human activities affect the wildlife in our local watershed and discuss ways to help conserve this valuable natural area.
NJSLSS: K-LS1, 1-LS3, 2-LS4, 3-LS1, 3-LS2, 3-LS4, 4-LS1, 5-LS1, 5-LS2, MS-LS2
No Bones About It *
Through hands-on discovery students learn about invertebrates, the most abundant animals on Earth. Artifacts as well as live specimens such as sea stars, urchins, snails, and horseshoe crabs will be used to discuss the various groupings based on common characteristics.
NJSLSS: K-LS1, 1-LS1, 2-LS2, 2-LS4, 3-LS1, 3-LS4, 4-LS1, 5-LS2, MS-LS2
Fishy Scales and Shark Tails
In this program, similarities and differences between fish colors, shapes, fins, and behaviors will be discussed. Discover why sharks are unique, and how this feared predator benefits our oceans.
NJSLSS: K-LS1, 2-LS4, 3-LS2, 3-LS4, 4-LS1, 5-LS2, MS-LS2
Habitat Habits*
Students learn the key factors every habitat must provide to support life. Be amazed at how animals and plants have adapted to survive in their specific habitats.
NJSLSS: K-LS1, 1-LS3, 2-LS4, 3-LS2, 3-LS3, 3-LS4, 4-LS1, 5-LS1, MS-LS2
Marine Mammal Mania
Students learn about characteristics of marine mammals as we compare harbor seals to whales, sea lions, and other mammals adapted to life in the sea.
NJSLSS: K-LS1, 1-LS1, 1-LS3, 2-LS4, 3-LS2, 3-LS4, 4-LS1, 5-LS2, MS-LS2
Outrageous Reptiles *
Students learn the characteristics of reptiles and the differences in their lifestyles by comparing the different reptile groups: snakes, turtles, lizards, and crocodilians.
NJSLSS: K-LS1, 1-LS1, 1-LS3, 2-LS4, 3-LS1, 3-LS2, 3-LS4, 4-LS1, 5-LS2, MS-LS2
Rainforest Revelations *
Explore the rainforest layer by layer! Discover the importance of this amazing environment. Habitat threats and conservation issues will also be discussed.
NJSLSS: K-LS1, 1-LS3, 2-LS2, 2-LS4, 3-LS2, 3-LS4, 4-LS1, 5-LS1, 5-LS2, MS-LS2
Polar Bears in a Warming World
Students will learn about these unique marine mammals and the Arctic habitat they call home. We will discuss the effects of climate change on the Arctic as well as its inhabitants.
NJSLSS: K-LS1, 1-LS3, 2-LS4, 3-LS2, 3-LS4, 4-LS1, 5-LS2, MS-LS2
Amazing Amphibians *
This program will address amphibian lifestyles and biology. Learn how to provide the right habitat for these mosquito eaters and why a world without frogs would be a slimy situation.
NJSLSS: K-LS1, 1-LS3, 2-LS2, 2-LS4, 3-LS1, 3-LS2, 4-LS1, 5-LS2, MS-LS2
NJ’s Precious Pinelands *
Fun fact: The first national reserve is located right here in New Jersey. The Pinelands National Reserve is home to many threatened and endangered species. This is just one reason we need to protect it.NJSLSS: K-LS1, 1-LS3, 2-LS4, 3-LS1, 3-LS2, 3-LS4, 4-LS1, 5-LS1, 5-LS2, MS-LS2
Talking Trash*
Not just about litter, this program invites students to look at trash from a marine animal’s point of view. Emphasis is on the effects of single use plastics on our waterways. This lesson can be paired with a self-guided beach cleanup to fulfill service learning requirements.
NJSLSS: K-LS1, 1-LS1, 2-LS4, 3-LS3, 3-LS4, 5-LS2, MS-LS2
Species Survival *
(Middle and high school groups)
Learn how the conservation efforts of aquariums and zoos benefit endangered animal species. Meet one of our African penguins while learning about threats to their survival. Learn why Jenkinson’s Aquarium’s involvement in a Species Survival Plan is designed to ensure a healthy population for the future.
NJSLSS: MS-LS2, HS-LS2-6, HS-LS2-7, HS-LS2-8
Penguin Pointers *
Waddle into the world of penguin biology, geography, care, feeding, and conservation.
NJSLSS: K-LS1, 1-LS1, 1-LS3, 2-LS4, 3-LS1, 3-LS2, 3-LS4, 4-LS1, 5-LS2, MS-LS2