2009-2010 Program Planner

On the Downtown Norfolk Waterfront
One Waterside Drive - Norfolk, VA 23510
(757) 664-1000
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Are you an explorer? A teacher? A life-long learner?
Are you looking for unique experiences and fascinating programs that stretch the imagination?
Welcome to the 2009/2010 Nauticus Program Planner! Here you'll find everything you need to plan your visit to our museum - from new blockbuster exhibits to "old favorites;" from the Battleship Wisconsin to the Chesapeake Bay; from hands-on interactive workshops to live, interactive theater - it's all here on the Downtown Norfolk waterfront!
Whether you're preparing for a classroom tour or planning for holiday visitors, this program guide will provide a comprehensive overview of thought-provoking opportunities for voyagers of all ages.
At Nauticus, we focus on educational and fun experiences that inspire and inform! Our focus is on you - the guest, welcome aboard!
PUBLIC PROGRAMS
A DAY AT NAUTICUS
INSPIRING, EXCITING AND FUN!
Design Chamber
Pre-School Adventures
Tremendous tales and cool crafts for your early learners. The topics for this program change weekly.
Science on a Sphere
A truly world-class exhibit! View the earth from an astronaut's perspective. Check out real-time weather and earthquakes or watch one of our short films designed specifically for this state-of-the-art attraction.
Horseshoe Crab Cove
One of our newest touch tanks holds a variety of local Chesapeake Bay marine life, including whelks, hermit crabs, sea stars and - as you might have guessed - horseshoe crabs!
Shark Lab
Get up-close and personal with unique species of sharks at our shark lab tank. Our educators will take a bite out of shark myths and share remarkable facts about sharks. Shark conservation is also an important component of this engaging program.
Creature Feature
Have you ever wondered why a tiger has stripes or why that bird is so brightly colored? If so, Creature Feature is just the ticket for your family. This is a brand new program which consists of a short, 20 minute movie about animal adaptations, followed by a live presentation that includes a special guest animal! This program is perfect for your early learners and elementary school aged kids.
SCHOOL PROGRAMS
School programs can be scheduled at Nauticus to enhance your field trip experience or brought to your classroom as an outreach! Programs last approximately 45 minutes.
Watershed Field Investigation (Grades 4-8) Outreach Only
Take your students outdoors! Examine how the health of the student's schoolyard affects the entire Chesapeake Bay Watershed by using GPS units, taking soil samples, and testing for nutrient pollutants. (Maximum of 30 students per program)
Virginia Science SOLs: 4.5, 4.8, 6.7
Battle Blast (Grades 1-12)
Awesome experiments investigate the science of energy, force and pressure associated with battleship design! The USS Wisconsin's 16-inch guns are the basis for the concepts in this program!
Virginia Science SOLs: K.1, 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.3, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 5.2, 5.4, 6.2, PS.2, PS.5, PS.6, PS.7, PS.8, PS.10
Seeing the Sea (Grades 1-8)
Everything you want to know about ocean science - learn about ocean animals and the adaptations they use to survive, light and sound, ocean pressure, and more!
Virginia Science SOLs: K.1, K.2, K.4, K.5, K.6, 1.1, 1.2, 1.5, 1.7, 2.1, 2.5, 3.1, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 4.1, 4.5, 5.3, 6.1, LS.1, LS.4, LS.10, PS.1, PS.5, PS.8, PS.9, ES.1, BIO.1, PH.4, PH.7, PH.9, PH.10
Cool Science (Grades 1-12)
Experience amazing liquid nitrogen and combustion experiments as you discover the science of temperature and states of matter.
Virginia Science SOLs: K.1, K.2, K.5, K.9, 1.1, 2.1, 2.3, 3.1, 3.3, 3.9, 3.11, 4.1, 4.2, 5.4, 6.2, 6.4, PS.2, PS.4, PS.6, PS.7, CH.2, CH.5, PH.3, PH.4, PH.7
Weather World (Grades 2-9)
Explore the earth from 22,000 miles away on NOAA's Science on a Sphere! Students will learn about air pressure, cloud formation, weather instruments and more!
Virginia Science SOLs: 2.6, 3.8, 3.9, 4.6, 4.7, 5.6, 6.2, 6.3, 6.6, 6.8, ES.3, ES.4, ES.13
Early Learners (Grades PRE-K - K)
Story time, craft and hands-on experiments! Choose your topic for this exciting program to help develop gross and fine motor skills for your early learners! Topics include wacky science, weather, deep sea adventures, and more! Book this program as an outreach and we'll bring our touch tank animals to you!
| EDUCATION PROGRAMS BY GRADE LEVEL | ||||||||||||||
| GRADE LEVELS | Pre | K | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| PROGRAMS | ||||||||||||||
| Battle Blast | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Chesapeake Bay Investigations | X | X | X | X | X | |||||||||
| Cool Science | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Early Learners | X | X | ||||||||||||
| Seeing the Sea | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | ||
| Watershed Field Investigations | X | X | ||||||||||||
| Weather World | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | ||||||
| WORKSHOPS | ||||||||||||||
| Eco Exploration | X | X | X | X | ||||||||||
| Robotics Workshop | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | |||||||
| Under the Sea Workshop | X | X | X | X | ||||||||||
| Watershed Workshop | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | X | ||||||
| Weather Workshop | X | X | X | X | X | |||||||||
WORKSHOPS
All hands-on workshops approximately 90 minutes.
Under the Sea Workshop (Grades 2-8)
Everything you want to know about ocean science in this hands-on workshop. Learn about light and sound and the adaptations ocean animals use to survive, as well as an opportunity for dissection.
Virginia Science SOLs: 3.5, 4.5, 5.2, 5.3, LS.10, PS.8, PS.9
Weather Workshop (Grades 3-8)
Observe, feel, and create the weather! Track a hurricane and learn weather trivia when playing the Hurricane Adventure Game, learn about weather instruments, and even create a cloud like the swirling clouds you will see on NOAA's Science On a Sphere!
Virginia Science SOLs: 1.2, 1.6, 2.3, 2.6, 3.1, 3.8, 3.9, 4.1, 4.2, 4.6, 4.7, 5.1
Watershed Workshop (Grades 3-8)
Introduces students to the role watersheds play in our lives. Hands-on activities using a coastal enviroscape and a collaborative city-planning task.
Virginia Science SOLs: K.5, K.9, K.10, 1.1, 1.8, 2.5, 3.6, 3.9, 3.10, 4.1, 4.5, 4.8, 6.1, 6.5, 6.7, 6.9, ES.9, ES.11, BIO.1, BIO.5, BIO.7, BIO.9, CH.1, CH.3
ROBOTICS Workshop (Grades 6-12)
Remotely operated vehicles are the cutting edge of the technology we use to explore the ocean. Here, you can actually build your own underwater robot and test it out in our ROV Lab!
Virginia Science SOLS: 6.1, 6.2, 6.5, 6.7, 6.8, LS.1, PS.1, PS.6, PS.10, PS.11, ES.1, ES.3, ES.11, CH.1, PH.1, PH.3, PH.4, PH.5, PH.7, PH.8, PH.12, PH.13
History and Social Science SOLs: VS.1, USI.1, CE.12, WG.2
ON THE WATER
Kid's Discovery Cruises (Grades 2-8)
Join Nauticus onboard the Spirit of Norfolk! This two-hour lunch cruise down the Elizabeth River includes an exciting SOL based education program by a Nauticus educator, all-you-can-eat lunch buffet, DJ, and an up close look at the Navy's Atlantic Fleet! For more information and to make reservations, call the Spirit of Norfolk at (757) 217-0618.
2010 Dates and Programs:
- February 24, 2010-Triumphs through Science
- March 17, 2010-Cool Science
- April 21, 2010-Chesapeake Bay Investigation
- May 21, 2010-Weather World
- July 21, 2010-Seeing the Sea
Elizabeth River Eco Expedition (Grades 4 and Up)
Get onboard the Victory Rover! This in-depth field trip will consist of a three-part guided boat trip exploring the Elizabeth River's ecology, biology, and history. Perform water chemistry experiments, hands-on activities with a coastal enviroscape, and perform biological sampling. Field trips begin at 9 a.m., $15 per person. Groups must be a minimum of 40 with a maximum of 100 per group including chaperones. Fee includes Nauticus admission!
Virginia Science SOLs: 4.1, 4.5, 5.1, 5.5, 5.6, 6.1, 6.5, 6.7, 6.9, LS.1, LS.4, LS.5, LS.7, LS.9, LS.10, LS.11, LS.12, PS.1, ES.1, ES.2, ES.9, ES.11, BIO.1, BIO.5, BIO.7, BIO.9, CH.1, CH.3
History and Social Science SOLs: VS.2, USII.5
SCOUT PROGRAMS
Overnights!
Enjoy a fun-filled night of adventure at Nauticus' Shiver Me Timbers Overnight! Talk like a pirate, hunt for buried treasures, visit our Real Pirates exhibit and even come dressed in your favorite pirate wear!
- Cub Scouts / Boy Scouts - January 23, 2010, Saturday 5 p.m. - Sunday 10 a.m.
- Girl Scouts - February 6, 2010, Saturday 5 p.m. - Sunday 10 a.m.
- Fee: $45 scouts/$35 adults, one free adult per troop. (Includes tour of Real Pirates exhibit, Nauticus admission, dinner, breakfast, parking, activities and participation patch).
- For more information and to register, visit our Scout Programs Page.
Girl Scout Programs
Workshops
A variety of Brownie and Junior workshops are offered including an Explore Nauticus Patch! For more information, visit our Scout Workshop Page or call (757) 664-1021.
Girl Scout Swaps Day
"Protect our Oceans" is the theme! Bring your swaps to trade and enjoy special programming that can help you earn Girl Scouts awards and Journey requirements.
- Saturday, January 16, 2010, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Fee: $9 per Girl Scout; $10 per adult.
- Register online.
Cadette, Senior and Ambassador Girl Scout Smooth Sailing Day Cruise
Come spend the day aboard the American Rover and learn how to sail the high seas, chart routes, tie knots and more!
- Sunday, April 25, 2010, 12:30 - 5 p.m.
- Fee: $35 per person (includes activities, boat trip, interest project badge, and certificate).
- Register online.
Boy Scout Programs
Workshops
Cub Scout Awards:
- Webelos Scientist Badge
- Webelos Engineer Badge
- Fees: $15 per scout (includes activities, award, certificate and Nauticus admission); 2 adults free with each workshop; $10 for each additional adult; troops will be charged for a minimum of 10 scouts ($150).
- Capacity: Maximum of 25 people
Boy Scout Weather Merit Badge Day
Create a cloud, learn how to prepare for dangerous weather, make weather instruments and even meet a real meteorologist while you earn your weather merit badge!
- Saturday, March 27, 2010, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Fee: $25 per scout (includes activities, certificate and Nauticus admission); $15 per adult; scouts may register individually or as a troop. Must bring completed blue card and requirements from merit badges #9 and #10.
- Register online.
FAMILY/YOUTH PROGRAMS
Celebrate Your Birthday Party at Nauticus!
All parties last 90 minutes and include admission to Nauticus, private theme-decorated room with a Nauticus educator, make n' take activity, cake, punch, utensils, plates and cups.
Choose Your Theme:
- Ahoy Mateys!
- Treasure hunt, pirate demonstration, eye patch and treasure map crafts! A tour of our Real Pirates exhibit can be added for an additional fee.
- Mad House Science!
- Make slime to take home with you! Learn all about science during one of our exciting science demos!
- Under the Sea!
- Visit our Shark Lab and horseshoe crab cove! Learn about ocean animals and make a shark tooth necklace!
- Battleship Adventure!
- We'll take you on a guided tour of Battleship Wisconsin and learn about the guns on the Battleship during a science demo!
Prices:
- $15 per child for Nauticus Members.
- $17 per child for non-members.
Two adults are required and admitted free. Additional adults are $10 per adult. Minimum charge of 10 children. Maximum group size is 25 people.
"Ahoy Mateys" Pirate Camp
December 28-31, 2009
Spend your Winter Break exploring the world of pirates! We'll meet old and new pirates, build a pirate ship, tour our new Real Pirates Exhibit and even discover hidden treasure!
- Regular Hours: 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
- Extended Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Cost: $175 members; $200 non-members; $10 per day for extended care
- Ages: 6-9 year olds
- Register online or call (757) 664-1021.
Extreme Nature Camp
April 5-9, 2010
Uncover the powers of nature at Nauticus Extreme Nature Spring Break Camp! Erupt a Hawaiian volcano, follow the path of a hurricane over the Atlantic, identify deep sea creatures and more!
- Regular Hours: 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m.
- Extended Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Cost: $175 members; $200 non-members; $10 per day for extended care
- Ages: 6-9 year olds
- Register online or call (757) 664-1021.
HOMESCHOOL PROGRAMS
Join us at Nauticus for a special day of programming for your Homeschooler! Check our Homeschool Day Page for information about the next Homeschool Day!
REAL PIRATES - EXHIBIT & PROGRAM
November 21, 2009 - April 4, 2010
We're looking for a few brave souls to discover a pirate treasure! Real Pirates tells the true story of the Whydah - the first fully authenticated pirate ship that sank off the coast of Cape Cod nearly 300 years ago. Organized by National Geographic and Arts and Exhibitions International, the exhibit showcases treasure chests of jewelry, coins, and gold; weaponry; and a replica of the actual ship that visitors can board. This blockbuster exhibit is a must-see for swashbucklers of all ages! Arrgghhh!
Group Tour Rates: $14.95 per person (includes Nauticus admission)
Real Pirates Companion Website
PIRATE PROGRAMMING
In a joint venture with our Real Pirates Exhibit! (More Information)
Buccaneer Ball:
Ahoy Mateys! Dress in your favorite pirate garb and spend an evening sipping grog and singing sea shanties with your best landlubber pals.
Pirate Film Festival:
Love pirates on the big screen? Join us for our Pirate Film Festival featuring daring documentaries, family favorites and swashbuckling classics. Shown in our hi-def, 350-person theater, these films will be sure to keep you on the edge of your seat.
Lectures:
Want to learn more about pirate life on the high seas? Attend our pirate-themed lecture series featuring scholars, historians and pirate experts.
Family Overnight:
Spend the night at Nauticus with your family! March 20, 2010; Saturday 6 pm - Sunday 10 am. $35 per child, $30 per chaperone. One chaperone required for every three children, $35 per additional adult. Includes tour of Real Pirates exhibit, Nauticus admission, parking, activities and breakfast. Nauticus members receive a discount. More Information.
Pirate Workshops:
Join us in our pirate workshops where you can learn a sea shanty, talk like a pirate and discover life on the open seas.
School Programs:
Additional programming will be available for schools to enhance your field trip! Visit our website or call for more information.
Many more pirate-themed events to come! Call us at (757) 664-1021 to find out more information about pirate workshops, historical tours and educational adventures - all in association with our blockbuster Real Pirates exhibit!
ADULT PROGRAMS
Do you have business trips instead of field trips? Power lunches instead of school lunches? Coffee breaks instead of locker breaks? Then our Adult Programs are just for you!
Corporate Workshops
Looking for a unique way to strengthen team dynamics? Check out our ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) corporate workshops. Participants will design, develop and operate underwater robots and then compete against another team's original ROV creation. These workshops are designed to develop strong technical, problem solving, critical thinking and team-building skills.
Up to 50 people per two-hour workshop. $25 per person
Blue Planet Forum
Join Nauticus, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation and Old Dominion University for our Blue Planet Lecture Series. These environmentally-themed lectures welcome stimulating speakers whose expertise offer thought-provoking insight into today's difficult environmental issues and their affect on our local community.
UPCOMING PROGRAMS
Lecture Series
New maritime science and environmental lecture series coming to Nauticus this fall. We'll offer exciting topics with engaging speakers that will open your mind to important issues affecting your everyday life.
Interested in more? There's always something new and exciting happening at Nauticus. From innovative exhibits to learning adventures to exciting "after hours" events, we always have something to engage you and your family. Check out are website for upcoming events.
Distance Learning
Want to experience our educational programs but can't make a trip out to see us? Sign up for one of our new interactive distance learning programs that will engage your students and spark their interest in various maritime science programs. Our new catalog of distance learning programs is perfect for your classroom. Call to learn more
INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING AT NAUTICUS?
Contact Volunteer Services at (757) 664-1043.
NAUTICUS MEMBERSHIP
Just Makes Cents!
Membership at Nauticus is one of the best deals for one of the best attractions in Hampton Roads. Annual memberships offer fun for the whole "crew." With several membership levels to choose from, you're guaranteed to find the one that's right for you! Did you know your Nauticus membership enables you to get select discounts at SevenVenues shows and performances? Do you like to travel? Take advantage of the ASTC Travel Passport Program and get reciprocal admission to over 300 science centers nationwide. Discounts at local venues, on merchandise in our gift shop, café and even on facility rentals - a Nauticus membership has its privileges!
To find out more, please visit our Membership Page or call Ted Bartlett at (757) 664-1014.
PLANNING YOUR VISIT
| NAUTICUS GROUP RATES | ||||
| (Rates are available for groups of 15 or more with advanced reservations) | ||||
| Admission | Nauticus | Nauticus + School Program |
Nauticus + Hands-On Workshop |
Nauticus + Real Pirates |
| Youth | $8 | $10 | $12 | $14.95 |
| Chaperone | 1:5 Comp | 1:5 Comp | 1:5 Comp | $14.95 |
| Adult | $10 | $14.95 | ||
| OUTREACH PROGRAMS | |||
| (Additional mileage fees may apply) | |||
| OUTREACH | SINGLE CLASS | ASSEMBLY | HANDS-ON WORKSHOP |
| # of students | UP TO 35 | 36 OR MORE | MAX OF 100 |
| One Program | $150 | $300 | $400 |
| Additional Program (same day) |
$100 | $250 | |
Hours of Operation
Daily 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Reservations
Phone: (757) 664-1021
E-mail: reservations@nauticus.org
Fax: (757) 623-1287
Address: One Waterside Drive, Norfolk, VA 23510
Website: www.nauticus.org
School Program Scheduling/Arrival
School programs can begin as early as 9:15 a.m. and are approximately 45 minutes in length. Multiple programs will be scheduled if your group has more than 35 students. Hands-on workshops last approximately 90 minutes. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your program and have the exact count of students/chaperones when you check- in. We recommend 2-3 hours to tour Nauticus and Battleship Wisconsin.
Payments/Cancellations
A 25% non-refundable deposit is required to ensure your reservation. Payment for groups must be made in one full payment upon arrival. Nauticus accepts cash, check, credit card, or your group can be invoiced. Cancellations must be made 72 hours prior to your visit, if your group has a scheduled school program, cancellation must be made one week prior to your visit or Nauticus will bill your group 25% of the total cost. Refunds will not be issued for shortened or cancelled programs if your group arrives late.
Chaperones
One chaperone for every 10 students is required. Chaperones are required to stay with children in all areas of the museum and on Battleship Wisconsin.
Parking
Nauticus is located on the downtown Norfolk waterfront. Nauticus does not provide on-site parking. Complimentary motor coach and school bus parking is available at nearby Harbor Park lot approximately eight blocks away, groups can unload in front of Nauticus. City garages are located across from Nauticus for a fee.
Lunch
Nauticus does not provide storage for lunches, and no indoor space is available to eat bag lunches. Lockers are available for rental. Your group may have lunch on our outdoor front deck, or Town Point Park is located adjacent to Nauticus. Outtakes Café is located on Nauticus' first floor and has a selection of sandwiches, snacks and beverages. Box lunches can be pre-arranged for your group by calling (757) 622-3868.
Special Needs
Nauticus is wheelchair accessible throughout the building and on the main deck of Battleship Wisconsin. A limited number of strollers and wheelchairs are available at no charge on a first come first serve basis. Assisted listening devices are available for the Living Sea Theater, AEGIS, and Design Chamber.
Outtakes Café
Outtakes Café is located on the first floor of Nauticus. Enjoy a variety of fresh sandwiches, salads, snacks, beverages, and more. Box lunches can be pre-arranged for your group visit.
Banana Pier Gift Shop
Take a piece of Nauticus home with you! With more than 3,000 square-feet of shopping space, the Banana Pier Gift Shop is filled with a wide selection of nautical souvenirs, apparel, books, toys, home décor items and of course a large selection of Battleship Wisconsin merchandise!

