Onsite Programs

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.  Educational Standards VA SOLs: 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. Educational Standards VA 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. Educational Standards VA SOL 3.9

As citizens of coastal communities, understanding and interpreting tides is useful knowledge for daily life. In this program, students will learn the celestial interactions influencing our local tides. We will review the phases of the moon with a hands-on activity using Oreo cookies to discover how these moon phases affect the tides. Lastly, students will be introduced to common animals of the Chesapeake Bay and uncover the innate ability of these animals to adapt to the changing tides every day by moving through different tidal zones. Educational Standards VA SOL 4.9

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 at these 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.  Educational Standards VA SOL 5.6 & 5.7

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 crossing then construct and test their own working models. Educational Standards VA SOL PS.1, PS.5, PS.8

STEM to STERN- STEM is the wave of the future! These exciting maritime-themed STEM challenges will aid in preparing your students to think critically and creatively, problem-solve, and collaborate with peers. They will engage in our STEM challenge cycle and learn how to overcome obstacles and face challenges head-on.

What is it like to forecast the weather on a battleship? Students will explore weather, the instruments used to measure it, and how to collect the data themselves. They will test these skills by creating their own weather instruments and using their knowledge to investigate a historical weather event on BB-64! Educational Standards VA. SOLs – K.1, K.9, 1.1., 1.7, 2.1, 2.6, 2.7, 3.1, 3.7, 4.1, 4.4, 6.1, 6.7, LS.1, LS.5, ES.1, ES.12

Participants experience life in the Galley of the Wisconsin as a Mess Specialist and enlisted Sailor on board. Using math skills, participants will be challenged to prepare food for the crew, navigate the ship to gather materials, and spend time as a sailor navigating from their assigned bunk to the galley for mealtime then report for duty. Educational Standards VA. SOLs – Math 3.1-3.5, 3.7, 3.10, 4.1- 4.6, 4.8, 4.9, 5.1-5.6, 5.9, 5.17, 5.19, 6.1, 6.2, 6.4, 6.5, 6.8, 6.12, 6.14, 7.1 – 7.4, 7.12, 7.13, 8.1, 8.2, 8.8, 8.11, 8.14-8.16 History – 3.1, 3.8, VS.1, VS.9, USI.1, USII.1 USII.5-9

PAYMENT:  To confirm your group reservation, a signed copy of confirmation invoice is required two weeks after making your reservation. The final payment is due the day of your visit and you must pay for the entire the group in one payment to receive the group rate. Please make checks payable to “Nauticus”.  To pay by credit card please call the Group Sales office at 757-664-1034 prior to the date of your visit.  

FINAL COUNT AND CANCELLATION: If your group numbers fall below 15 people, you will be charged the regular admission rate. Group cancellation must be made 5 business days prior to arrival date. If changes and cancellations are not made prior to this time Nauticus reserves the right to hold your 25% deposit. 

PARKING: Nauticus does not provide on-site parking. Your vehicle may load/unload passengers in our front circle. Free parking for motor coaches, school buses and vans is available at Harbor Park, approximately 8 blocks from our building. If you are arriving in individual vehicles, there is parking available in the nearby city garages.