The Aquarium’s third Homeschool Explorers Club went swimmingly on Wednesday, January 14. Students of all ages learned about fish with interactive activities such as a fish-themed scavenger hunt, a dive show and feeding in the Great Ocean Tank, and a special shark talk with Aquarist Jen Skoy.

Education stations around the Aquarium gave students the opportunity to learn through hands-on activities and speak with Aquarium educators. Using a dichotomous key, students identified fish in the tallest tank in North America, the Great Ocean Tank. By the end of the day, they could spot black sea bass, sheepshead, porkfish and many other species that can be found right off the South Carolina coast! Senior Biologist Arnold Postell arranged for a special fish feeding following the dive show. Next, students identified fish characteristics such as fins, gills and eyes and compared them to the equipment that divers use underwater. Students got creative with fish coloring sheets, mazes and word puzzles at the craft table.

Our Homeschool Explorers then swam over to the classroom for a private shark program with Aquarist Jen Skoy and Education Instructor Ashley Bradt. After learning about sharks and the many characteristics that make these ocean predators unique, students got up-close for a chance to actually touch a bamboo shark! Jen answered questions about sharks and shared her expertise on these fascinating creatures.

Registration for our 2015 Homeschool Explorers Club is now open! Click here to register.