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Maritime Aquarium Hosts Teachers' Open House

NORWALK, Conn. -- Educators are invited to a free after-hours open house Wednesday, Feb. 25 to learn how The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk’s programs and resources – including its unique new research vessel – will enhance lessons to their students.

The Maritime Aquarium will show off its new research Spirit of the Sound at an event for educators on Feb. 25.

The Maritime Aquarium will show off its new research Spirit of the Sound at an event for educators on Feb. 25.

Photo Credit: Contributed

The event, called “Fish School,” is from 4-7 p.m.

The purpose of the free evening is to show teachers the many ways they can connect their students and curricula with the aquarium’s unique educational programs, which help to fulfill state, Common Core and Next Generation Science standards.

“Our goal is for the aquarium to be an extension of every classroom in Norwalk, and in the entire region,” Tom Naiman, the aquarium’s director of education said in a statement. “We consider teachers and students to be our priority audience, and our catalog of brand-new programs is designed to support and extend the school curriculum.”

The most exciting new aquarium asset is the research vessel, Spirit of the Sound. The $2.7 million, 63-foot catamaran is the country’s only research vessel with a hybrid-electric propulsion system, making it bigger, quieter and greener than the aquarium’s former diesel-powered trawler.

The new boat is equipped with a larger touch tank and larger classroom space, a remotely operated vehicle for viewing the sea floor and microscopes connected to a large TV monitor, and other assets for teaching marine science out on Long Island Sound.

“Our Marine Life Study Cruises are experiential learning at its best,” Naiman said in a statement. “And now we’re developing Oceanography and Environmental Science programs for high school students on the new vessel as well.”

On Feb. 25, teachers can preview two free screenings in Connecticut’s largest IMAX Theater.

Showing on the six-story screen will be “Island of Lemurs: Madagascar” at 6 p.m. and “Humpback Whales” at 7 p.m.

Admission, a light dinner and parking are all free for “Fish School.” However, space is limited and advance registration is required. Register now at reservations@maritimeaquarium.org or call (203) 852-0700, ext. 2206.

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