Education Programs

Camouflage Critters
(3rd Grade; 45 minutes)
How do animals adapt for survival? A visit with some of the creatures in Atlantis Marine World will demonstrate how camouflage aids species survival. Discussions include adaptation and interdependent relationships.

Dig It: Adventures in Archaeology
(4th – 12th Grade; 45 minutes)
Discover the science of archaeology during this hands-on interactive program. Students will be introduced to archaeological methods and techniques as they partipate in an excavation simulation. Teams of budding archaeologists will analyze artifacts to learn about past civilizations and cultures, and chart their findings on a grid. Observations and data will be recorded in a take-home field journal. Also available as an Outreach Program.

Shark Surveillance
(4th – 12th Grade [scaled appropriately to age/grade level]; 20 – 60 minutes)
Students will deepen their fascination with the ocean’s top predator by studying the biology, ecology, and conservation of sharks. Students observe and handle shark jaws, teeth, and egg cases, and learn little-known facts about these extraordinary creatures. Also available as an Outreach Program.

Animal Behaviors
(4th – 12th Grade; 30 minutes)
Students learn how conditioning techniques are used to prepare marine mammals for public performances. Using these same positive reinforcement techniques, students will then “train” one of their classmates with clickers and whistles! Also available as an Outreach Program.

Coral Reef Ecology
(5th – 6th Grade; 45 minutes)
Did you know that Atlantis Marine World has the Western hemisphere’s largest all-living Coral Reef display? Students will examine various coral species and models of vibrant reef fish up close to explore concepts of biodiversity, specialization, symbiotic relationships, and environmental conservation/preservation. Also available as an Outreach Program.

The Ocean Voyagers (Los Marineros)
(5th – 8th Grade; 45 minutes)
Meet some of the creatures that travel the ocean highway during their migration between their northern breeding grounds and southern wintering grounds. Due to content, program is especially geared for bilingual audiences.

Plight of the Parrots
(6th Grade; 45 minutes)
Focusing on the plight of domesticated and critically endangered bird species, this program utilizes live bird demonstrations to give students the opportunity to learn firsthand the importance of education and healthy environmental conditions for species survival. Presented by the Priceless Parrot Preserve, New York’s only 501(c)(3) preserve dedicated to the rescue and permanent care of exotic birds. Supplemental program fee applies.

Long Island Focus
(7th – 8th Grade; 45 minutes)
Students explore Long Island’s glacial beginnings, as well as more recent changes to its shoreline and barrier islands. The program also examines Long Island’s aquifer system, its importance to our daily life, and the steps that can be taken to protect this vital resource.

Wonderful Wetlands
(7th – 8th Grade, 45 minutes)
Using an interactive game, students learn about the characteristics, diversity, functions, and benefits of local wetlands such as habitat and nursery areas. The importance of wetland preservation is also discussed.

Estuarine Water Quality
(9th – 12th Grade, 45 minutes)
Compare and contrast various water sources from the field and Atlantis Marine World, using the results to explore the survival needs of different species. Students also learn about estuarine environments, pollution, water chemistry, and responsible decision-making. Atlantis Explorer Tour Boat is recommended as an accompaniment to this program.

Riverhead Foundation Programs

Adoption Program Lecture
(K – 12th Grade; 45 minutes)
Here’s a great idea: Have your class adopt a rehabilitated seal, whale, dolphin, or sea turtle and you’ll receive a personalized lecture about your adopted animal from a Foundation Biologist.

Seals of Long Island
(K – College; 45 minutes)
Learn about the seals that inhabit our shores using artifacts such as seal fur and bones, as well as audiovisual materials.

Sea Turtles of Long Island
(K – College; 45 minutes)
Take a closer look at the basic biology and conservation of these threatened animals, which spend their summers in Long Island’s waters.

Whales, Dolphins, and Porpoises
(K – College; 45 minutes)
Are there really whales, dolphins, and porpoises in New York waters? And what is the difference between a dolphin and a porpoise? This program provides the answers to these and other questions while exploring the mysteries of these enchanting marine mammals.

Marine Pollution
(2nd – 4th Grade; 45 minutes)
Students have the opportunity to analyze various types and sources of marine pollution and take a firsthand look at humans’ impact on the ocean.

Endangered Species
(4th – 12th Grade; 45 minutes)
Engage in a discussion covering many topics related to local endangered species, including identification, human impact, and preservation. Students also have the opportunity to examine artifacts such as baleen, bones, turtle shells, and seal skulls.

Rescue Center Behind-the-Scenes Tour
(4th – 12th Grade; 45 minutes)
Go behind-the-scenes and explore the Foundation and its daily activities, from rescue to rehabilitation to release. Tour limited to 20 participants. Supplemental Foundation fee applies.

Marine Anatomy and Physiology
(11th – College; 120 minutes)
Assist a Marine Biologist in a post-mortem examination of a seal, cetacean, or sea turtle and explore some of the potential causes of injury and death to these animals. Supplemental Foundation fee applies.

In the Field with the Foundation
Please call the Foundation directly to book any of the following programs:

• Bay Investigations;
• Seal Cruises/Walks;
• Ecology/Beach Walks;
• Beach Cleanups;
• Mock Stranding.