Aquarium kicks off program for little ones
The Primorsky Aquarium has launched a new entertaining and educational program titled “LittleOneArium”: the facility’s educators have developed classes for the youngest learners – children ages 3 to 6.
The program consists of four 45-minute sessions that introduce kids to some of the Aquarium’s residents: Humboldt penguins, Baikal seals, a walrus and a Steller's sea lion. One of the sessions gives children the chance to get up close and personal with starfish and sea urchins in the touch pool, which is certainly done in a manner safe for both the animals and the little explorers.
“Kids always listen carefully to our educators and ask them a bunch of questions. In the class focused on penguins, children learn what these birds are like, how many penguin species are found in the world and how they differ from each other. Kids feel like they are real scientists when they measure their height using the penguin height chart or view feathers from these amazing inhabitants of the Southern Hemisphere under a microscope,” said Elizaveta Roshkolaeva, Specialist at the Education Department. “Each session features creative activities such as drawing or making crafts. Our little visitors enjoy attending the “LittleOneArium”, and this means a lot to us.”
Though the program has been in existence for a short time, it has already become quite popular. The engaging sessions that combine learning and fun receive positive feedback from parents and inspire kids to return to the Aquarium to continue exploring the fascinating world of marine life.
In addition to the “LittleOneArium”, the Primorsky Aquarium boasts three new workshops for older age groups.
At the “I Am a Photographer: Life Behind the Glass” workshop, a professional photographer teaches all-comers about the ins and outs of capturing stunning images of underwater creatures. The workshop is aimed at ages 13+.
The “Sea Eco Art” program (7+) acquaints the audience with upcycling-art, which is a form of environmental activism: in this workshop attendees learn how to give a new lease of life to their old clothes. Both kids and adults can try their hands at ecological art.
Another program is intended for the most inquisitive and industrious learners. This is an unusual lab workshop called “Paramecium’s Treasures”, in the course of which participants do a cut and paste project. The workshop is aimed at children ages 7-12.