(Updated 2024)
We strive to share our love of marine life with the public to spread greater awareness of the Gulf of Maine and inspire environmental stewardship. We would love to come to your school, library, club or other location to conduct an interactive program about marine life and teach your group about whales, tide pool animals, marine debris and research.
Since we are a non-profit education and research organization, your tax-deductible program fees contribute to our efforts to study and protect these magnificent animals. Let us bring the Gulf of Maine to you!
Ladder the Life-Size Whale
Our inflatable whale, Ladder, is a 65-foot fin whale modeled after a real fin whale in the Gulf of Maine that we studied from 1998 to 2018, when he passed away. Fin whales are an endangered species and the second-largest animal on Earth.
Students will watch the large whale inflate and come to life, and then will go inside the whale for more information with our marine educator!
Topics will include whale species in the Gulf of Maine, whale anatomy and adaptations, and conservation.
Location: Your school gymnasium, cafeteria, sports field, or other open space.
Age: Grades K – 8 (can be adapted for older age groups)
Format: Learning stations, in person. It can be used for public events.
Program fees: This program costs $495.00 plus mileage for the first hour. For school programs, we can accommodate 20- 40 participants in one hour. For open house-style events, we offer two hours at $495.00. Any additional hours needed cost $185.00 each.
*Please note this program requires a 65ft space with electrical outlets. Ladder cannot be used outside in certain weather conditions*
The Coastal Experience
Get the experience of the Seacoast with our Coastal Experience! Join us at the Blue Ocean Discovery Center to explore our touch tanks, learn about local wildlife and investigate environmental issues impacting the Gulf of Maine. This experience also includes an optional beach cleanup.
Location: Blue Ocean Discovery Center, 180 Ocean Boulevard, Hampton, NH
Age: Grades K – 12
Format: Touch tank & other interactive exhibits, In-person or virtual
Large Groups (>20 participants): $100.00 per hour, up to forty-five students max. Any programs with more than twenty students must include a beach cleanup.
Small groups (< 20 participants): $25/hour for a one-hour visit for up to five students, $25 for each additional five students, up to fifteen students total.
Travels of Ocean Trash: Marine Debris Presentation
One of our marine educators will come to your school or group with a presentation about how marine debris travels through an ecosystem and why we must keep our beaches clean. This can be a great addition to one of our beach cleanups or held on its own.
Location: In-person or virtual
Age: Grades K – 5th
Format: Interactive lecture
Pricing: Suggested Donation of $50.00
Whales and their Ocean Home: Whale Presentation
Meet one of our marine educators who will visit with your group and teach them in an interactive presentation all about the fascinating adaptations whales have to survive in their ocean habitat.
Location: In-person or virtual
Age: Grades K-5th
Format: Interactive PowerPoint Lecture (approx. 30mins)
Pricing: Suggested Donation of $50.00
Gulf of Maine Whales and Human Impacts: Whale Presentation
Meet one of our marine educators and dive deep into the life of the whales that call the Gulf of Maine Home. In this presentation, you will learn about interesting adaptations, whale research, and how to help whales.
Location: In-person or virtual
Age: Grades 6th-12th
Format: Interactive Powerpoint Lecture (approx. 30mins)
Pricing: Suggested Donation of $50.00