Published: January 06, 2010 11:22 am      

Tennessee Aquarium announces Teacher Appreciation Day Jan. 16

Event showcases array of education program opportunities

CHATTANOOGA —�These days, supporting schools and teachers with free offers is more important than ever. “We have a wide range of standards-based programs to offer students from Pre-K to twelfth grade,” said Jennifer Latour, the Aquarium’s education coordinator. “Unfortunately many educators are unaware that these classroom programs are available without cost to any school group visiting the Aquarium with 10 or more students.”

Regional educators will have an opportunity to see first-hand what’s offered to school groups during Teacher Appreciation Day on Saturday, Jan. 16, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Educators simply need to show a current teacher ID or paystub at the Aquarium’s ticketing center to visit the Aquarium and IMAX 3D Theater at no cost. The offer is good for one teacher and one guest. Additional guest tickets may be purchased that day at the education group rates listed below:

Child (through 12th grade): $6.50 Aquarium; $10.25 Aquarium + IMAX

Additional Chaperone: $19.95 Aquarium; $25.95 Aquarium + IMAX

Throughout the day, Tennessee Aquarium educators will provide brief information sessions, classroom tours, point out available online tools and offer free classroom materials. “Teachers will get to see everything that’s new at the Aquarium and gain insight into the many ways our programs supplement their lesson plans,” said Latour.

Classroom spaces are available in the River Journey building and in the IMAX Center. With multiple locations, Aquarium educators are also able to work with teachers to maximize their time here. “We can turn lunch time into a learning experience during our free ‘Lunch & Learn’ programs which include special presentations, hands-on activities or animal encounters,” said Latour.

Some educators may be surprised to learn that the Tennessee Aquarium is the only zoo or aquarium in the United States that is accredited as a supplementary education school by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (http://www.sacscasi.org/), also known as AdvancED (http://www.advanc-ed.org/). Every fun-filled program offered at the Aquarium correlates to the national and state science standards for Alabama, Georgia and Tennessee.

A few teachers might discover ways to explore multiple subjects at the Aquarium. “Some educators are beginning to incorporate our newest exhibit, Jellies: Living Art, in their lesson plans to show how nature fuels artistic expression,” said Latour.

Educators who sign up for the Aquarium’s education e-newsletter during Teacher Appreciation Day will be registered to win a free field trip to the Tennessee Aquarium and IMAX 3D Theater complete with up to $100 reimbursement for transportation.



Tennessee Aquarium Education Department Fast Facts:

Over 100,000 students visited the Tennessee Aquarium in 2009.

Grant funding will help increase Aquarium classroom capacity to serve more students.

The Aquarium offers HD distance learning and education outreach programs.

Students learn about biodiversity, Civil War history and the cultural significance of the Tennessee River aboard the River Gorge Explorer.

Aquarium educators produce fun-filled learning adventures for summer campers. (Registration begins March 1st.)



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The Tennessee Aquarium inspires wonder and appreciation for the natural world. Admission is $21.95 per adult and $14.95 per child, ages 3-12. Each ticket purchased helps support Aquarium conservation programs. The IMAX� 3D Theater is next door to the Aquarium. Ticket prices are $8.50 per adult and $6.00 per child. Aquarium/IMAX combo tickets are $27.95 for adults and $19.95 for children. Excursions aboard the new River Gorge Explorer depart daily into “Tennessee’s Grand Canyon.” Cruise tickets are $29 per adult and $21.50 per child (3-12). Advance tickets may be purchased online at www.tnaqua.org or by phone at 1-800-262-0695. The Aquarium, located on the banks of the Tennessee River in Chattanooga, is a nonprofit organization. Open every day except Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Aquarium and IMAX are accessible to people with disabilities.