Abstract
Zoos and aquariums have been highlighted as informal education environments for conservation education programs. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) member organizations are required to include education and conservation in their missions. One aim of this project completed-was to focus on fulfilling the aquarium’s mission to “inspire conservation of the world’s aquatic treasures” (National Aquarium, 2023). This was achieved by investigating how to best communicate scientific information in an informal education setting for the purpose of aiding marine conservation efforts. Based on this research, education materials for homeschooling and outreach programs were created and updated. Education materials developed include educational presentations to be delivered at libraries as well as games and take-home packets to support the National Aquarium’s homeschool programs. An observational evaluation survey was also created to be completed during future outreach programs to aid in their evaluation. This project allows for a better understanding of current educational and conservation practices at an AZA-accredited facility, with the hope that these materials will aid in the aquarium’s mission and influence visitor behavior change towards environmentally positive outcomes.