Teachers/Students
For Teachers
Welcome to the North Carolina Aquarium classroom! Plan an unforgettable field trip to the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Your students will dive into the world of wonder and water, with a wide array of educational exhibits and programs.
Take your class on a journey “from North Carolina’s mountains to the sea.” The Aquarium is home to thousands of aquatic animals from across the state. In our galleries, explore a mountain waterfall and trout pool, a cypress swamp, river otters, jellyfish and our Living Shipwreck, holding more than 300,000 gallons of water, big sharks and an ocean of fishes. Enjoy two hands-on touch pools with your students. Our auditorium seats 150 for live animal presentations and other programs.
Register your group in advance for free admission
Children and teachers/staff in registered North Carolina school groups are admitted at no charge at the time of the visit to the North Carolina Aquarium if registered in advance. Advance registration is required for free admission. Register early - the Aquarium is a popular destination and reservations are taken on a first-come, first-served basis. The admission fee for registered parent chaperones is $4 per person.
Homeschools
The Aquarium welcomes homeschool families, and allows one free visit annually with proof of homeschool status. Homeschool families are not required to register in advance, but homeschool groups are encouraged to do so.
Homeschool Day - Sept. 24, 2010 The Aquarium can help with your curriculum. Homeschool Day does not count as your annual free admission.
Aquarium Outreach — Let the Aquarium Come to You!
The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores offers traveling programs designed to bring fun, hands-on, educational activities to your event or classroom.
Click here for more information.
For Students - Internships & Other Opportunities
College: A limited number of college internships in Education and Husbandry are available each year at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Most of these positions are offered during the summer. Summer interns typically work 40 hours a week at a modest hourly salary.
The deadline for summer positions usually is the end of March. Students should submit a completed state employment application form PD-107 along with a cover letter stating their reasons for wishing to intern at the Aquarium. Applicants should indicate whether applying for a position in Husbandry or Education. Applications must be mailed or delivered to the Aquarium — emailed applications cannot be accepted.
Please submit applications to the attention of the Husbandry Curator or the Education Curator at the following address:
North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
1 Roosevelt Blvd.
Pine Knoll Shores, NC 28512
In addition, one summer student internship position is available through the generosity of A.C. & Dot Hall. The Hall intern typically is enrolled in a four-year university. This intern works full-time for 12-14 weeks with the Aquarium’s Exhibits Department, or in Education, Animal Husbandry or Conservation programs, helping the Aquarium meet the demands of summer programming while fulfilling his or her own educational goals. Applicants should submit a state application form PD-107 and a cover letter indicating interest in the Hall internship. The deadline to apply is April 15.
The North Carolina Youth Advocacy and Involvement Office (NCYAIO) also sometimes offers internships at the Aquarium. The deadline each year is in mid-January. Interested students – visit the NCYAIO website for qualifications, requirements and application information.
Students at area community colleges and university marine laboratories are welcome to explore volunteer opportunities to augment your studies and fit your schedule.
High School: The Aquarium’s Volunteer Program coordinates several hands-on opportunities for high school students, including a summer junior volunteer program, senior project mentoring and job shadow for high school students.
All students: Students of all ages can find a variety of information and resources on aquatic animals and environments. Whether you use the information in the classroom or to impress your friends and family, the Aquarium can help you gain a better understanding of North Carolina’s aquatic environments.
