Educator Open House @WorldofCocaCola @Ctr4chr and @GeorgiaAquarium #ad

Each year, World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium and Center for Civil and Human Rights invite local educators, including homeschool teachers, to visit the attractions for free to learn about educational and field trip opportunities.

  

Attending educators visit the attractions from 8-11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 24 and may bring one guest, also free of charge. (They may purchase tickets for additional guests.) Pre-registration is required, so interested educators can register at https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/educator-open-house/. A valid teacher ID is required for entry to the event, and homeschool teachers may bring a copy of their Letter of Intent.

World of Coca-Cola welcomes school field trips throughout the year, and dozens of Georgia Performance Standards can be fulfilled at the attraction. World of Coca-Cola offers a teacher toolkit on its website, which outlines all of those Standards and provides pre- and post-visit activities to assist with lesson planning.

Educator's Day at the @WorldofCoca-Cola #hosted #learn #teacher #student #WorldofCocaCola

I was invited to attend Educator's Day at the World of Coca Cola, Georgia Aquarium, and Center for Civil and Human Rights.

Were you aware that you can take your child (as a home school student) or your school can take your child to the World of Coca-Cola and actually LEARN while they're there?  Admittedly, it's aimed more at 8th-12th grade students, but still.  What better way to learn than hands on while doing something fun?

You can actually do the same thing at the Georgia Aquarium (not as surprising) as well as at the Center for Civil and Human Rights.  All three make great resources to utilize when possible.  The World of Coca-Cola welcomes school field trips throughout the year, and dozens of Georgia Performance Standards can be fulfilled at the attraction. World of Coca-Cola offers a teacher toolkit on its website, which outlines all of those Standards and provides pre- and post-visit activities to assist with lesson planning.

I took my family along with me for the day.   The Coke Museum is always fun, especially to try the sampling floor.  We always end up talking about what the different cultures like in flavors.   Hubs hadn't had Beverly (or at least didn't remember having tried it), so we made sure he did.

 It was my son's and husband's first time visiting the Center for Civil and Human Rights.  They found it very interesting and informative.  It would be fun to go back when they're having a special event to learn something new.

The Aquarium opened up the back education loop for educators.  We were able to see the top side of Tropical Diver, Ocean Voyager, Coldwater Quest (belugas), and River Scout.  Neither of the boys had ever been up there, so they had a blast.  I hadn't had a chance to see the puffins (I stopped volunteering before they were in place), so that was neat to see.

All together, we had a lot of fun.  If my kids were younger, I'd definitely make an effort to include some of the learning points the three facilities provide.  As it is, I recommend it to fellow educators and home school parents to give it a look over.

Educator Day 2018 @WorldofCoca-Cola #GeorgiaAquarium #CenterforCivilandHumanRights #Ad

 Each year, World of Coca-Cola, Georgia Aquarium and Center for Civil and Human Rights invite local educators, including homeschool teachers, to visit the attractions for free to learn about educational and field trip opportunities.

Attending educators visit the attractions from 8-11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8 and may bring one guest, also free of charge. (They may purchase tickets for additional guests.) Preregistration is required, and space is limited, so interested educators should register as soon as possible at https://www.georgiaaquarium.org/experience/learn/educator-open-house.  A valid teacher ID is required for entry to the event, and home school teachers may bring a copy of their Letter of Intent.

World of Coca-Cola welcomes school field trips throughout the year, and dozens of Georgia Performance Standards can be fulfilled at the attraction. World of Coca-Cola offers a teacher toolkit on its website, which outlines all of those Standards and provides pre- and post-visit activities to assist with lesson planning.

Volunteering at the Georgia Aquarium #update

After much thought, I decided to resign from volunteering at the Aquarium.  For the last couple of years I haven't enjoyed working on the floor at the Aquarium like I did when I started.   I have enjoyed working with the Education department (a work week based commitment) and as an Ambassador (seasonal for festivals, and not always a lot of shifts).

The past couple of years I haven't been able to make the minimum required number of hours (100).  This year, they actually enforced the rule that if you don't make minimum, it's a $60 charge to re-up (includes badge, etc)*.  Given that I've been focusing on being a substitute teacher, thus taking away my time during the week to volunteer, and that on the weekends I'd rather spend the time with my family, it means I wouldn't likely make the hours this year either.  I didn't want to pay $60 this year to not make hours and have to pay $60 again next year.

So, after 12 years of volunteering it seems weird to not work on scheduling myself in to volunteer, but I'm sure I'll find something else to do with my time instead.

*When you sign up to volunteer, there is a $60 charge to cover your badge, first uniform shirt, and background check.  You are required to maintain 100 hours minimum/year to remain on "good" standing.  Otherwise, you have to pay the $60 again.  All of this is stated up front when you sign up to volunteer.

Georgia Aquarium #EducatorsDay #hosted

As part of Educator's Day over the weekend, my daughter and I were able to go to the Georgia Aquarium as well.  We got there just in time to watch the whale sharks be fed.  Fortunately, we were able to get to the top of the exhibit to watch it from. 

We toured the Aquarium's Education loop, where classes for both brick and mortar schools are held, as well as home school opportunities.  Their programs are geared toward age levels.  IE: 1st & 2nd grade, 3rd & 4th grade, etc.  With tools and tours geared appropriately.  You can find more information about their education programs on the Georgia Aquarium web site.

Wednesday's Wet Suit Wonders @GeorgiaAquarium #volunteer #WW

Admittedly, it was only temporary for an animal encounter..

But it looks good on me..

New ray touch pool @GeorgiaAquarium #cownoserays #blackblotchray #ww

Sneak peek at the Sea Lions @GeorgiaAquarium

I shared this on instagram already, thought I'd share here too.  They open tomorrow (just in time for spring break).

Just wanted to share @GeorgiaAquarium #whaleshark #mantaray #clownfish

Taken on 7/26 while I was there to volunteer for the morning.

Can you see it? @GeorgiaAquarium #findtheanimal #WheresWaldo #WW

I was at the Aquarium for a while Sunday and caught this photo.  Can you see the hidden animal?

Can you see it now?

#WW Your dose of cuteness and awwww #penguinchick @GeorgiaAquarium #volunteer

#ww A visit to the @GeorgiaAquarium

Time Lapse Tuesday #cattoy #octopus #playing

I was playing with Time Lapse on my iPhone Saturday. It's very short, but funny. Best $1 raffle ticket I've ever spent (for the cardboard cat toy).

Monday I played a bit more. I wasn't able to stand longer than I was as this was just prior to the Aquarium opening. But, I did catch the GPO out and about.

Sometimes it's the small things #GeorgiaAquarium #seahorse #seadragon

As a volunteer at the Aquarium, generally I'm asked about the big animals on exhibit. The belugas, the whale sharks, the animals that are most likely to gain quick notice. When I go to visit, though, as much as I love seeing those too, I really enjoy just watching the little ones.

#WW Beluga Whale @GeorgiaAquarium

What was it? @GeorgiaAquarium

The answer to last week's "What is it?"  A Wobegong Shark!  I caught this guy napping up close to one of the windows.

@GeorgiaAquarium What is it?

Challenge time! While at the Aquarium recently, I snapped this photo of an animal. Can you guess what it is?

#WW Selfies

Me hanging out at the end of my shift with my leeeetle friend..

Cool reptiles at Avondale Arts Festival

I worked out at Avondale Estate's Art Festival on Sunday for the Aquarium. When I was given the opportunity to walk, I had to go check the guys from Southeastern Reptile Rescue out. I kept seeing them holding various animals out and (me being me) had to go look.

This guy was in the trailer - Gaboon Viper

Albino Western Diamondback

King snake hanging out amidst the other snakes

Rat Snake

Sulcata Tortoise

Mystery Animal Challenge

I was at the Aquarium Sunday and got a picture of this.. so it's my Tuesday animal challenge.. guesses?