Onsite Programs

To ensure the best possible experience for our youngest learners, this program is 30 minutes in length and designed for one class of 20 students or fewer.

THE FLOOR IS LAVA!

Discover the explosive world of volcanoes with the classic baking soda eruption experiment! After the excitement, students will tackle a STEM challenge: Can you design and build a sturdy house to keep the bears safe from the lava? Creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork will be key in this fiery adventure!

Virginia’s Early Learning & Development Standards (ELDS):  

CD 1.1 -Notices and talks with adults about changes in nature and in substances

            -Observes and describes items and events in the natural world using words, signs, or gestures

CD 1.2   Reacts to and comments on changes when mixing or manipulating materials

Virginia’s Early Learning & Development Standards (ELDS): K.1, K.10

To ensure the best possible experience for our youngest learners, this program is 30 minutes in length and designed for one class of 20 students or fewer.

NOT YOUR AVERAGE SINK OR FLOAT

What materials are best to design a boat that floats? Find out through this interactive experience testing materials and using that knowledge to design and build your own boat! This is not your average sink or float experience—come find out for yourself! 

 Educational Standards: 

Virginia’s Early Learning & Development Standards (ELDS):  

• Cognitive Development (CD): 1.1. Paying attention to the natural world 
• CD 1.1j Compares and categorizes observable phenomena (e.g., by collecting, organizing, and describing materials according to their physical characteristics) 
• CD 1.2o With adult guidance, plans and conducts investigations 
• CD1.2p Analyzes results, draws conclusions, and communicates results  
• CD1.2q Collaborates with others to conduct investigations 

Virginia’s Early Learning & Development Standards (ELDS): 1.1,1.3, 2.1, 2.5

THE FLOOR IS LAVA! – Grades 1 -2

Explore the explosive science behind volcanoes with the classic baking soda eruption experiment! Students will examine real volcanic rocks like pumice and obsidian and discover how volcanoes can transform habitats. Students will then put their engineering skills to the test in a STEM challenge: Can you design a house strong enough to keep the bears safe from the lava?

Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL): 1.1, 2.1, 2.5

If you look around, you will see that there’s life everywhere. But how do these living things survive and thrive? In this program students will learn what living things need to survive and what kinds of habitats are found in and around Hampton Roads. Students will also get an opportunity to see these plants and animals up close and personal. 

Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL): 1.4.a, 1.5.a-c, 1.7.a-c, 1.8.a-c

Students will discover the life cycle and ecology of the American eel throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed. They will explore the transformations occurring at each of the five life stages. Students will act out the American eel life cycle by competing in a relay race. They will then gain an understanding of the strength and persistence demonstrated by the American eel and the many physical obstacles it overcomes during its lifetime. 

Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL): 2.4 & 2.5

In this program, our students will become water molecules! Students will learn about the water cycle, the different forms/states of water, and how water transitions from one state to another. Students will then perform hands-on experiments demonstrating water moving from one state to another. To wrap up and get our bodies moving, the students will transform into water molecules themselves and travel through all the different parts of the water cycle. 

Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL): 3.7a-c

Our local waterways are important parts of everyday life and ecosystems. How can we better understand the health of these waterways? In this experience, learners will complete water quality testing, macroinvertebrate biodiversity survey, and trace local watersheds that affect their everyday life.  

Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL): –3.7a, 4.8a, 6.8a-d, ES.8c-d, ES.10e 

What is the purpose of a lighthouse, and who makes sure these important aids to navigation are ship shape? In this program, students will investigate the history of lighthouses, who served as navigational aids in the Hampton Roads area, and the amazing science of lighthouse lenses. Students will participate in a hands-on experiment to learn about reflection and refraction.  

Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL): 5.6a, c

Engineering on the Chesapeake Bay (middle school) 

Traveling over bridges and through tunnels is an everyday occurrence in Hampton Roads. In this program, students will explore the STEM principles behind building safe crossings, then construct and test their own working models. 

Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL): 6.8c,  ES.8c-d, ES.10e, PS.4b, PS.7a, PS.8.a-b 

Engineering on the Chesapeake Bay (high school) 

Traveling over bridges and through tunnels is an everyday occurrence in Hampton Roads. In this program students will explore the formation of the Chesapeake Bay and the STEM principles behind building safe crossing. Using this knowledge, teams will complete an environmental science and engineering STEM Challenge. 

Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL): ES.10e, PH.4b, PH.7a, PH.8a-b 

Aerographer’s Mate Challenge (elementary version) 

Are you ready to take your weather forecasting skills to a new level? Come aboard Battleship Wisconsin to practice how Aerographer’s Mates report current weather conditions and forecast for the US Navy.  

Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) – K.9a, 1.7a, 2.6a-c, 4.4a  

Aerographer’s Mate Challenge (secondary version) 

Use STEM skills to become an Aerographer’s Mate aboard Battleship Wisconsin. In this STEM challenge, you will create a weather instrument, collect and analyze data with it to report on current weather conditions.  

Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) – ES.12b, d, e, PH1

In this experiential education program, students get a glimpse of what life is like on a ship. Students will get a brief history of the USS Wisconsin and then get put in the shoes of a sailor onboard as they are assigned a job and task to do. Participants will mimic the chaos of the first day on board as they try to navigate to various key locations from their bunks.

Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL): History – 3.1, 3.8, VS.1, VS.9, USI.1, USII.1 USII.5-9

Once we receive your field trip request form, our Education Manager will follow up with any additional questions needed to complete your booking. After your reservation is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation packet along with an invoice.

Payment Options:

We encourage payment prior to your visit to help streamline the check-in process. However, payments can also be processed at our Admissions Desk on the day of your visit.

• Check: Please make checks payable to “Nauticus Foundation”
• Credit Card: To pay by credit card, please call the Education Manager at 757-664-1047.

Final Count and Cancellation:

• If your group size falls below 15 participants, standard admission rates will apply.
• Cancellations must be made at least five (5) business days prior to your scheduled visit.
• If cancellations or changes are not made within this timeframe, Nauticus reserves the right to retain your 25% deposit.

Nauticus does not offer on-site parking.

• Personal Vehicles: Visitors arriving in personal vehicles may use nearby parking garages, such as the West Plume Street Garage, or available street parking.
• Motor Coaches & School Buses: Large vehicles such as motor coaches, school buses, and vans may not remain on-site during your visit.

For information on parking options for larger vehicles, please contact Visit Norfolk at 757-403-5802.