Safety First at South Carolina Aquarium…
“A Brave New World” is certainly a perfect description of our times.
Recently, we enjoyed a trip to the South Carolina Aquarium. Everyone was SO excited! The staff has done an exceptional job of implementing safety precautions to minimize the threat of exposure to COVID-19. The underwater residents seem undisturbed by all the changes – especially the sharks. They were everywhere and definitely not swimming six feet apart!
Since opening May 19, 2000, The South Carolina Aquarium has been an important resource for teachers across the state. Students learn about plants and animals that live from the mountains to the sea. Exhibits encourage exploration, making learning fun and easy.
All seven species of sea turtles are listed as threatened or endangered. The Sea Turtle Care Center – Rescue, Rehabilitate, Release – provides an in depth look at the tremendous efforts of staff and professionals to nurse sick and injured turtles back to health. Everyone celebrates when a patient is released into its’ natural habitat.
Hundreds of children take field trips to tour the Aquarium every year. Well, until the world as we know it came to a screeching halt.
Every school district in the state has implemented attendance plans and they’re all different. Most schools offer a totally virtual learning experience for parents who are not comfortable sending their children back to the classroom. The Aquarium is offering virtual programs for teachers and parents in an effort to give students the field trip experience without leaving home. Check out virtual field trips and Critter Calls! Both links are packed with information. I’m gonna go ahead and spoil the surprise by telling you that you can book an animal for your next virtual birthday party or meeting! Personally, we hope this feature doesn’t end.
Parents may want to purchase a program as a gift for their child’s teacher to use in the classroom. All proceeds from sales will fund the free educational programs. We love FREE! Many of the curriculum programs on the website have been updated to be more “virtual-friendly.”
Timing was perfect for our fourth graders. They got to brave the Haunted Trail, a spooky indoor section designed by the talented staff. If you can somehow find your way to Aquarium Wharf before Halloween, we highly recommend checking out this exhibit! No need to worry – you control your scare with one press of a button! Visit here for all the spooky details.
The South Carolina Aquarium has long been one of our favorite South Carolina destinations. This year, they’re working extra hard to make a traumatic school year seem a little more normal!
Charleston is such a smooth drive from Greenville and the Aquarium can easily be experienced in a day!