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. Outreach Programs are available year round.  All outreach programs are adapted to the appropriate grade level and support the New Jersey Core  Curriculum Content Standards.

Aquarium education specialists will use a hands-on, interactive approach to allow your students to teach themselves and each other about your outreach topic. Outreach programs are available all year long with limited availability from April thru August. If you would like further information or would like to book an outreach program, please contact the education  coordinator at (732) 899-1659.

Jenkinson's Aquarium Virtual Animal Showings

In addition, Jenkinson’s Aquarium continues to offer virtual programs for schools, camps, and libraries! All educational programs are adapted to the appropriate grade level and support the New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standards.

The programs currently being offered are: Penguin Pointers, Parrot Palooza, Outrageous Reptiles, No Bones About It, NJ’s Precious Pinelands, and Sloth Safari.

The cost for one 45-minute virtual program is $150.00 which includes an environmental conservation component, live animal ambassador, and time for questions.

If you would like to book a virtual program or inquire about pricing and availability for in-person Outreach programs, please contact our Education Coordinator at education@jenkinsons.com or 732.899.1659

Outreach Program Descriptions

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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

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No Bones About It

Through hands-on discovery, students learn about the most abundant animals on Earth – invertebrates. 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

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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.  Learn about important conservation efforts to protect them.

NJSLSS: K-LS1, 2-LS4, 3-LS2, 3-LS4, 4-LS1, 5-LS2, MS-LS2

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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

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Outrageous Reptiles

Students learn the characteristics of all 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

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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

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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. Besides anatomy and behavior, we’ll also discuss the ways climate change is affecting these animals.

NJSLSS: K-LS1, 1-LS1, 1-LS3, 2-LS4, 3-LS2, 3-LS4, 4-LS1, 5-LS2, MS-LS2

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Rainforest Revelations

Explore the rainforest layer by layer!  Discover the importance of biodiversity in this amazing environment.  Have some fun investigating some jungle products you use everyday.  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

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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.  Steps we can take each day to help save this fragile ecosystem will also be addressed.

NJSLSS: K-LS1, 1-LS3, 2-LS4, 3-LS2, 3-LS4, 4-LS1, 5-LS2, MS-LS2

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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 penguin 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

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Our Changing Planet (Middle & High School Groups)

Discover how Earth is changing through climate change and what it means for animals and humans alike. Learn what we can do to protect the planet and preserve what we have for future generations.

NJSLSS: K-LS1, 1-LS3, 2-LS2, 2-LS4, 3-LS1, 3-LS2, 4-LS1, 5-LS2, MS-LS2

Jeninson's Aquarium

New Jersey’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, all with their own adaptations. Meet some of the animals that live in this reserve – one of the world’s major ecosystems.

NJSLSS: K-LS1, 1-LS3, 2-LS4, 3-LS1, 3-LS2, 3-LS4, 4-LS1, 5-LS1, 5-LS2, MS-LS2

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Talking Trash

Not just about litter, this program invites students to look at trash from a marine animal’s point of view.  We will uncover the truth about marine debris while brainstorming for new ways to solve this old, dirty problem.  This lesson can be paired with a self-guided beach clean up to fulfill service learning requirements.

NJSLSS:  K-LS1, 1-LS1, 2-LS4, 3-LS3, 3-LS4, 5-LS2, MS-LS2