Port Townsend Marine Science Center is the ideal place to learn about the diversity of life in the Salish Sea and why we love it.
You can schedule a day of classes, a tour of our exhibits, or a custom multi-day program. Once a year, we also offer Water World, a one-week program in collaboration with Centrum.
"I value every bit of what we do with our time at PTMSC. Instead of working from a book or a kit, the students are working with their natural, local environment, with relevant and meaningful activities."
—local 5th-grade teacher
If you're not able to visit in person, check out the Online Activities & Events webpage, for activities and ideas to keep you, your class and your family connected to the Salish Sea
Is your group looking for a fun and inspiring experience?
Bring them to the Marine Science Center to visit the Aquarium and Museum!
Here's what to do:
Your visit to the Museum and Aquarium will be led by a PTMSC educator.
Program length: approx. 60 minutes.
Appropriate for all ages.
Group size minimum is 10.
Masks optional.
Cost is $10/person.
Scholarships available.
Email gsanchez@ptmsc.org for more information.
In order to allow for a great experience in the Museum and Aquarium, groups larger than 20 will be broken into smaller groups and will visit the exhibits in rotation.
Groups with children require a 1:6 chaperone/child ratio.
CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A FIELD TRIP TO THE AQUARIUM AND MUSEUM
Classes
Our programs and classes offer students unique hands-on experiences in the marine sciences. They emphasize active exploration, critical thinking, and reflection.
For a description of available classes and additional information, visit the Classes page.
Limited scholarships are available and granted based on student need and current availability of funds.
Salish Sea Science
A tuition-free field trip program for 3rd & 4th grade classes. Sessions are available in person and online. The program is available each year from January - March. Follow the link to sign up for the mailing list for next year's program.
Water World
A dynamic collaboration between Centrum and the Port Townsend Marine Science Center, Water World is filled with activities and projects that expand and enhance students' experiences in the marine world through the lenses of both science and art. Typically this is a 5-day residential program for 5th and 6th graders. This year it is a virtual event! Please visit Centrum's Water World page for more details.
CLICK HERE TO REQUEST A FIELD TRIP WITH CLASSES
For questions, further details, or help scheduling a program:
Contact Gabriele Sanchez, 360-385-5582 x120, gsanchez@ptmsc.org
Please Note: Current COVID-19 guidance could affect availability, size, etc. of classes.
The Port Townsend Marine Science Center can accommodate single-day or multi-day programs.
Classes can be adapted to a variety of grade levels.
Please request your program at least 4 weeks in advance. Anything with less than 4 weeks notice, please call first to see if we can accommodate your request.
Programs for groups can be arranged for any time of year, but program prices are higher during peak season, April 1 – August 31, to reflect seasonal demand.
Scholarships
Limited scholarships are available and granted based on student need and current availability of funds. Contact Gabriele Sanchez, Program Registrar, for more information, gsanchez@ptmsc.org or 360-385-5582 x120.
Group Size and Multiple Classes
Most programs accommodate a maximum of 26 students, plus 2 teachers/chaperones, due to classroom space. The maximum capacity of our classroom is 32 people. A few classes require a smaller group size due to the nature of the activity.
We can normally accommodate 2 classes (sometimes 3) at a time.
Joint Programs
Imagine your students taking the helm of a 100-year-old tall ship, assembling the skeleton of a gray whale, and rowing and sailing aboard a historic longboat. Partnerships with Sound Experience (Schooner Adventuress) and Northwest Maritime Center (NWMC) provide opportunities to fully engage students with our rich regional resources in a captivating and rigorous learning environment. Click here to learn more, or contact Carolyn Woods, Education Coordinator, for more information: cwoods@ptmsc.org or (360) 385-5582 x 109.
Sound Experience sails the historic 101’ Schooner Adventuress to educate, inspire, and empower an inclusive community to make a difference for the future of our marine environment.
Northwest Maritime Center uses powerful maritime experiences aboard their fleet to educate, inspire people to adventure, and celebrate traditional and contemporary maritime culture.
