As of April 18, our team is installing fencing around the perimeter of our seal exhibit for the seals’ safety and to comply with USDA regulations. The exhibit will remain accessible during normal operating hours for visitors to observe our seals, and work is expected to be completed within a few weeks.
Reserve A Kit For Your Classroom!
We have science programs conveniently packaged in a suitcase, with lesson plans, activity ideas, and almost all the materials needed ready for teachers to use in their classrooms!
Price: $30.00 rental fee for 2-week period (per suitcase)
- Renter must coordinate pick-up date, time, and checkout process with School & Youth Programs Specialist
- Suitcases are available for pick-up and drop-off 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday
- Please bring copy of confirmation letter and photo ID at time of pick up
- Payment is due 30 days prior to the start of your rental date via check, cash, or credit card; if booked with less than a month's notice, payment for your rental is due at the time of booking.
1. After you have read through the descriptions below, use the button below to download the Suitcase Science application.
2. Please mail, fax, or email your completed application to the Outreach Coordinator:
Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
Attn: Outreach Coordinator
717 General Booth Boulevard
Virginia Beach, VA 23451
Fax: (757) 437-4976
Email: Programs@VirginiaAquarium.com
3. You will receive a confirmation e-mail indicating the date, time, and location of pick-up of your Suitcase Science rental.
Please bring a copy of this e-mail with a photo ID when picking up your suitcase.
Our Suitcase Science Kits
Metamorphosis and Life Cycle Sequencing
Grades K-3
This suitcase offers a variety of activities and games focusing on the life cycle sequence of terrestrial and marine animals. Metamorphosis is a key concept highlighted in this kit using the classic example of the caterpillar turning into the Monarch butterfly.
Science SOLs: K.1, K.4, K.6, K.7, K.9, K.10, 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 1.7, 2.1, 2.4, 2.5, 3.1, 3.4, 3.6, 3.8, 3.10
Properties of Water, the Water Cycle, and Water Conservation
Grades K-4
Students explore and play with water to learn about one of Earth's important resources. Hands-on water activities and supplies are provided in this kit. Topics that are covered include the three states of water, the hydrological cycle, and water conservation.
Science SOLs: K.1, K.2, K.4, K.5, K.9, K.10, K.11, 1.1, 1.3, 1.8, 2.1, 2.3, 2.6, 2.7, 3.1, 3.3, 3.9, 3.10, 3.11, 4.1, 4.6, 4.9
Animal Adaptations for Feeding and Defense
Grades 1-6
Peer through the microscope at plants, animals, and cells already provided for you and your students. This extensive resource allows hands-on learning using our real animal biofacts, animal adaptation games, books to read and films to watch.
Science SOLs: 1.1, 1.5, 1.7, 1.8, 2.1, 2.4, 2.5, 2.8, 3.1, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.10, 4.1, 4.5, 5.1, 5.5, 5.6, 6.1, 6.7
Predator-Prey Relationships, Food Webs, and Feeding Adaptations
Grades 1-5
Explore replicated predator skulls to discover their physical adaptations for hunting and feeding. Get tangled in a marine or terrestrial food web, play a fun food web card game, and use animal models to go in depth with feeding adaptations.
Science SOLs: 1.1, 1.4, 1.5, 2.1, 2.4, 2.5, 2.8, 3.1, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.10, 3.11, 4.1, 4.5, 5.1, 5.5, 5.6
Sea Turtle Life History, Research, and Conservation Issues
Grades K-12
Explore sea turtles in this dynamic suitcase filled with lessons on anatomy, habitats, food webs, life cycles, and conservation. Students will touch a sea turtle shell, observe feeding adaptations with replica skulls and play the role of a scientist while performing a mock stranding response and stomach content analysis.
Science SOLs: K.1, K.4, K.6-7, K.10-11, 1.1, 1.5, 1.8, 2.1, 2.4-5, 3.1, 3.4, 3.6, 3.8, 3.10, 4.1, 4.5, 4.9, 5.1, 5.5, 5.6, 6.1, 6.7, LS.1, LS.4, LS.6, LS.8-11, BIO.1, BIO.6-8, ES.1, PS.1, PS.7
Weather and Climate Systems, Impacts and Solutions for a Changing Climate
Grades 4-12
Students will build foundational knowledge on how the climate system works and the role carbon plays. They will explore ways a changing climate is impacting Earth and what steps they can take to adapt to those changes.
Science SOLs: 4.1-2, 4.6, 4.8-9, 5.1, 5.6, 6.1-3, 6.5-6, 6.8, LS.1, LS.5-6, LS.9-11, BIO.8, CH.1, CH.3, CH.4, CH.6, ES.1, ES.6, ES.10-12, PS.1, PS.5-7, PS.11, PH.1, PH.4, PH. 6-7
Have Questions?
For questions about suitcase content or availability, please contact the Outreach Coordinator at (757) 437-4976 or via email.
