Focus Programs

Enhance your guided tour with a focus program! Join us in our classroom for approximately ½ 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.

Focus Program Descriptions

Barnegat Bay Watershed Wonders
As one of our newest programs, this has been a big hit with schools located within the watershed. By seeing the diversity of life found here (including live specimens), students gain respect for our environment and are motivated to conserve it.

Discover Invertebrates
Through hands-on investigations of live animals, egg cases, shells, etc. students learn to identify common marine animals such as sea stars, crabs, urchins, and more. We'll discover characteristics and lifestyles as we learn to classify each creature.

Fin Tales and Shark Scales
What makes a fish a fish? We'll discuss biodiversity as we observe similarities and differences in fish color, shape, fins, and behavior. Discover why sharks are unique from other types of fish, and how this feared predator benefits our oceans. Touch a shark and learn about conservation efforts to protect them.

Habitat Habits
Students learn the key factors every habitat must provide to support life and observe the ways animals have adapted to their surroundings. Discover why habitats are important to the aquarium staff and factors we must consider when creating animal exhibits.

Outrageous Reptiles
How are alligators, snakes, and turtles related? Students learn the characteristics of all reptiles and the differences in their lifestyles by comparing live animals, scutes, scales, and skeletons.

Penguin Pointers
Your students have a bird's eye view, observing a live penguin waddle around our classroom. This program clears up misconceptions as students learn about penguin biology, geography, care, feeding, and conservation.

Marine Mammal Mania
Students lean about characteristics of marine mammals, as we compare our own harbor seals to whales, sea lions, and other mammals adapted to life in the sea. Besides anatomy and behavior, we'll also discuss methods we use for training our seals..

Rainforest Revelations
Students explore the rainforest layer by layer, creating a model complete with animals from different groups. Discover the importance of biodiversity, meet a live rainforest animal, and investigate some jungle products you use every day. Habitat threats and conservation issues will also be discussed.

Species Survival
(Middle and high school groups)
Learn how the conservation efforts of aquariums and zoos benefit rare animal species. Meet one of our African penguins, learn about threats to their survival and Jenkinson's involvement in a Species Survival Plan, designed to ensure a healthy population for the future.