whale

Education

We can’t wait to host you for a whale of a time at Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity. Join us for an educational adventure through the depths of our oceans. See below for our offerings.

Homeschool
Visits

Book a 90-minute field trip
for your learners

Learn More

School
Visits

Book a 60-90-minute

field trip with your class

Learn More

Post-Secondary
Visits

Book your class to dive
into ocean literacy

Learn More

School Visits

Book a fun and engaging field trip at Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity. Students will explore the deep connections between the ocean, climate, conservation, and careers through curriculum-aligned experiences. With live species, real ocean research, immersive AR, and interactive elements, our exhibits are designed to engage curious students in ocean literacy. 

Our exhibits are available in Mi’kmaq, English, and French.

  • Field trip duration is 60-90 minutes with a minimum of 10 students and a maximum of 65 students
  • Discounted admission
  • Welcome orientation
  • Curriculum-aligned facilitated activity
  • Teacher and chaperone resources
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School Time slots

September 1 – May 3

THU

12PM – 1:30PM

FRI

10AM – 11:30AM

FRI

12PM – 1:30PM

May 4 – September 6

WED

10AM – 11:30AM

WED

12PM – 1:30PM

THU

12PM – 1:30PM

FRI

10AM – 11:30PM

FRI

12PM – 1:30PM

Holiday Closures:
Good Friday, Canada Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, Boxing Day & New Year’s Day

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School Visits Grades Primary - 7

$6.50

School Visits Grades 8 - 12

$6.50 + HST

Teachers & Chaperones

FREE

Rates are subject to change without notice.

Book Today

School Rates

Experiences

marine-detectives

Marine Detectives

Explore the circle of life and how marine organisms survive! Students will observe and analyze aquatic plants and animals, examining their growth, adaptations, and connections within the ocean ecosystem.

 

Curriculum Connections:

  • PR: Observations of Living Things
  • GR 1: Interconnectedness of Living Things, Social Responsibility
  • GR 2: Animal Growth & Changes
  • GR 3: Ocean Plants
ocean-odessey

Ocean Odyssey 

Meet incredible Atlantic marine species! Discover who they are, what they eat, where they live, and how they interact within the marine ecosystem. 

 

Curriculum Connections:

  • GR 4: Local Habitats & Food Chains
  • GR 5: Chemical & Physical Changes in the Ocean
  • GR 6: Biodiversity & Adaptation
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Waves of Change

Inspire students to protect the ocean! This field trip explores climate change’s impact on marine life, environmental action, and opportunities in the aquatic sector.

 

Curriculum Connections:

  • GR 7: Environmental Action
  • GR 8: Climate Change
  • GR 9: Reproduction  
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Seas the Day

Uncover how chemical reactions keep ecosystems balanced and how marine biomes, fisheries, and aquaculture reveal connections between people and the sea. 

 
Curriculum Connections:

The content of the field trip will be tailored to your grade. If you have a split class, please choose the experience that best fits your curriculum needs.  If you have a special request for your school booking reach out to us at info@beatymarinecentre.ca.

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Homeschool Visits

Exciting ocean adventures await! Our homeschool programs at Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity are designed to inspire curious minds through hands-on learning and discovery. Led by our expert Ocean Science Interpreters, these 90-minute experiences will include a welcome orientation, facilitated activity, and time to explore Beaty Centre at your own pace. 

Registration is now open.

BOOK NOW

Friends of Fish (5-7)

January 29, 2026 - 2PM to 3:30PM

Members: $12 + HST 

Non-members: $18 + HST

 

Starting with a captivating tour through our aquaria room, learners will have the chance to observe and take in what they are seeing. Incorporating Mi’kmaw knowledge, learners will investigate the relationships that link species together, and the importance of caring for the ocean. 

Curriculum Connections:

  • Interconnectedness of Living Things 

Atlantic Explorers (8-10)

February 19, 2026 - 2PM to 3:30PM 

Members: $12 + HST 

Non-members: $18 + HST

 

Learners will trace how energy moves through local food chains while observing the habitats that shape life in our waters. This program connects hands-on exploration with real stories and Mi’kmaw knowledge to deepen understanding of how species depend on one another.

Curriculum Connections:

  • Local Habitats & Food Chains

Marine Adventurers (11+)

April 9, 2026 - 2PM to 3:30PM 

Members: $12 + HST 

Non-members: $18 + HST 

 

Dive into the wonderful world of biodiversity that exists underwater in the Maritimes and how each species is shaped by its environment. Learners will have plenty of time to observe local species and their adaptations and participate in hands-on activities.

Curriculum Connections:

  • Biodiversity and Adaptation 

Post-Secondary Visits

Take your class to Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity for experiential learning. University and college students are invited to engage in thought-provoking exhibits that examine the vital connections between ocean ecosystems, climate systems, and global sustainability. Through a self-guided experience grounded in real-world research, students will dive into current environmental challenges such as climate change, marine pollution, and biodiversity loss by exploring live species and interactive exhibits.  

Our exhibits are available in Mi’kmaq, English, and French.

Included

  • Visit duration recommended 60-90 minutes
  • Discounted admission
  • Welcome orientation
Book Now
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Hours

September 1 – May 3

THU

12PM – 8PM

FRI

10AM – 4PM

SAT

10AM – 4PM

SUN

10AM – 4PM

May 4 – September 6

WED

10AM – 4PM

THU

12PM – 8PM

FRI

10AM – 4PM

SAT

10AM – 4PM

SUN

10AM – 4PM

*Bookings based on availability

Students and Faculty

$8.50 + HST

Dalhousie University Students, Staff & Faculty

FREE

Book Today

Post-Secondary Rates

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Educational Resources

Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity Experiential Guides

Plan ahead for a smooth and enriching visit with our downloadable guides and activity materials.

 

Coming Soon

Orientation Guide
Accessibility Guide
Self-Guided Activity Sheets
Ocean School copy (1)

Ocean School: Our Educational Partner

We’re proud to partner with Ocean School, a leading environmental education resource for students in grades 5 to 12. Throughout the Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity, you’ll find engaging educational content developed in collaboration with Ocean School, designed to deepen ocean literacy through immersive storytelling and interactive learning.

Ocean School offers free, bilingual resources, including stunning linear and 360˚ videos, virtual reality experiences, interactive media, and hands-on projects. Their cross-curricular content supports learning in science, social studies, language arts, and more.

Explore Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Halifax Transit Routes 1 and 24 have stops within walking distance of Beaty Centre. Routes 4 and 10 stop at the Student Union Building, which is a short walk to Beaty Centre. 

Buses can drop guests off on the side of the Steele Ocean Sciences Building on Edzell Castle Circle.

Weekdays daytime parking

    • Street parking on South Street and Oxford Steet  
    • Studley Campus, Alumni West (#16) – Pay and Display 

Parking from 4:30 pm to 1:30 am weekdays and all day on weekends.  

    • Studley Campus, Steel Ocean Sciences (#21) 
    • Studley Campus, Alumni West (#16) 

Rates apply for school groups of 10 or more paid admissions. All attendees must pay as part of the group at the corresponding rate. Please book your visit a minimum of two weeks in advance. 

  • Any changes to the booking should be made by 4 p.m. one week prior to your visit. 
  • To cancel or reschedule a visit, the school is required to contact Beaty Centre at least 72 hours prior to the visit. In the event the school cancels a visit after this time and does not attempt to reschedule the visit, a cancellation fee of $50 will be incurred. 
  • In the event that school group is cancelled due to inclement weather the visit scheduled for that day will be rescheduled to a future date at the group’s convenience within the Centre’s already confirmed schedule. 

  • Payment can be made via cash, credit, debit or cheque made payable to Beaty Centre for Marine Biodiversity. We don’t invoice. 

  • Chaperones are expected to remain with their students through their entire visit. Proper supervision is essential to creating a safe, fun atmosphere at the centre. Please let us know in advance if your group requires any accommodations. Teachers and chaperones attending a school visit are admission free. Minimum student-to-chaperone ratio is 1:10 for elementary school and 1:15 for secondary school field trips. 

  • There are no food services or designated lunch areas available within the centre. To protect the aquarium exhibits, food is not permitted in or around aquarium spaces. Drinks are allowed only if they are in bottles with secure lids. Outdoor lunch space is available by request for school groups in May and June; this space is not guaranteed.

  • Students should only bring required outerwear and a lunch bag (if needed). All other belongings should be left at school. Limited coat storage space is available for your group’s personal belongings. A host will bring you to them upon your arrival. The centre is not responsible for the security of items left there.