Fifth Grade Field Trip to the National Aquarium Brings Biodiversity Lessons to Life

The fifth grade traded the classroom for coral reefs and coastal ecosystems during a recent field trip to the National Aquarium in Baltimore, where science lessons on biodiversity, food webs, and environmental stewardship came vividly to life.

The trip is part of Holton’s partnership with AquaPartners, a nonprofit educational program based at the aquarium that uses the Chesapeake Bay as a real-world learning laboratory. For students studying biodiversity, the experience offered a chance to see the concepts they’ve been exploring like adaptations, food chains, and energy pyramids unfold in living ecosystems.

“Exhibits such as Maryland: Mountains to the Sea and the Blacktip Reef provided concrete examples of symbiotic relationships and adaptations that we have discussed in class,” said Grade 5 teacher John Howard, who led the trip. “Additionally, the aquarium’s focus on oyster reefs reinforced our recent AquaPartners lab investigations about how these ‘ecosystem engineers’ provide habitat and filtration within the Chesapeake Bay.”

Learning by Doing
For many students, the hands-on experiences were the most memorable. During an interactive squid dissection, students examined the mantle, siphon, and ink sac—identifying the specialized structures that help the animal survive.

“The squid dissection changed the way I looked at squids when I found a thin shell just laying in its body,” said Makayla D. ’33. “Also when you touch it, it seems so delicate.”

“At this age, experiential learning bridges the gap between abstract scientific theory and reality,” Howard said. “Learning by doing fosters a deeper emotional connection to the subject matter and helps students begin to see themselves as capable young scientists.”

That sense of discovery was clear throughout the day. In Shark Alley, students watched predators glide overhead, bringing classroom discussions about apex predators and food webs into sharp focus.

Inspiring Environmental Stewardship 
The experience also encouraged students to think about their role in protecting marine ecosystems.

“I thought that we should help the ocean animals because humans keep on polluting the ocean which can cause many of the animals’ death,” said Everly C. ’33.

Students recognized the role places like the aquarium play in inspiring that awareness: “Places like the aquarium are important because they educate people on marine life and how beautiful it is so people will work to protect it,” said Ava C. ’33. 

The trip reflects Holton’s mission to educate the mind, soul, and spirit—encouraging students not only to understand ecosystems scientifically, but also to develop empathy and a sense of stewardship for the natural world.

“We hope students leave with an understanding that their actions can directly impact the biodiversity of the Chesapeake Bay,” Howard said. “When they learn what people can do to help the Bay, they begin to see themselves as active participants in conservation.”

Students already had ideas for how kids can make a difference: “What kids can do to protect the ocean is pick up trash on the beach and protect animals’ habitats,” said Caroline H. ’33.

By the end of the day, students had expanded their scientific knowledge and gained a new appreciation for the interconnected systems that sustain life beneath the water’s surface.

And if they could return as sea creatures themselves?

“Dolphins,” said Camila T. ’33 with enthusiasm. “Because they are smart and fun and cuteeeee.”