Aquatic Resources Education

Have you visited the Aquatic Resources Education Center in Anacostia Park lately? We think you should come and bring the whole family. It's an undiscovered gem right on the banks of our precious Anacostia River.

This unique center is a realized vision of a partnership between the District of Columbia, the National Park Service, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. In 2005, a $1.2 million expansion was completed to include dedicated classrooms and offices, display areas, live local fish exhibits, a fisheries laboratory, and a fish hatchery. The Aquatic Resources Education Staff are ready and eager to help any visitor learn about fish and other animals that live in the rivers and creeks of our city.

We are open to the public Monday through Friday from 10 am - 2 pm (9 am to 4 pm during the summer) or by scheduled appointment.

Aquatic Resources Education Center
Anacostia Park (beside the skate pavilion)
1900 Anacostia Drive
Washington, DC 20020
(Ample free parking is available.)

For more information on any of the following programs, please call (202) 535-2260.

Fish and Aquatic Resources Education Lessons

(For teachers and their students pre-K through 12th grade)

Students discover interesting facts about a variety of local fish and aquatic species and communities. The Aquatic Resources Education Center (AREC) houses a living collection of local fish species and other aquatic wildlife in 20-1,500 gallon display tanks. Scheduled programs include hands-on demonstrations and activities on the following topics:

• Fish Biology – learn basic fish anatomy and identification of local species
• Chesapeake Bay watershed – discover how individual actions impact our local habitats and wildlife
• Water as a Resource - investigate the importance of water for humans and animals
• Wetlands – explore local wetland habitats and how they function

Teachers acquire additional activities to use with their students after a visit to the AREC. Teachers will be given support and assistance to answer any scientific questions relevant to our local urban fish and aquatic species.

Project WET and Project Wild Aquatic

(For teachers and their students pre-K through 12th grade)

Teachers discover an educational methodology for water resources through hands-on, investigative and easy-to-use activities. A curriculum guide of water and aquatic resources activities that is correlated with national educational standards is provided to all teacher workshop participants. We adapt activities to include content relevant to local resources. Teachers can receive re-certification credits for completing a workshop.

Students benefit because their teacher will have the skills to guide aquatic investigations and discoveries that will hopefully lead to environmentally responsible behaviors. Students learn how to think, not what to think.

Educational Tool Boxes

(For teachers pre-K through 12th grade)

Students learn about aquatic ecology, frogs and water properties with hands-on activities that incorporate the FOSS Water Kit, microscopes, and more.

Teachers complete a pre- requisite training in the use of the educational tool boxes from staff at our Aquatic Education Center. Teachers are then permitted to check out the tool boxes for use in their classroom or at our Center.

Using the Aquatic Resources Education Center and Anacostia Park as an Outdoor Classroom

(For teachers of pre-K through 12th grade)

Teachers expand the boundaries of their classrooms. They will be given a tour of the Aquatic Resources Education Center before taking their students on a field experience in Anacostia Park. We can provide tips on how to use the space available for educating students on aquatic life and habitats.

Students explore interesting facts about a variety of local fish and aquatic species and their water environment with teacher-guided lessons. Support for programs will be provided by Aquatic Resources Education staff.

Learn how to Fish

(For teachers and their students 1st through 12th grades)

Students discover a basic understanding of natural resources and fishing ethics through a hands-on fishing experience. Before handing students fishing equipment, we teach basic fishing skills and knowledge of equipment. A comprehensive lesson plan for successful fishing includes fish biology and behavior, reproduction and growth, fish senses, aquatic communities and food chains, water quality, and fish management and conservation.

Teachers receive training and supplemental tools such as an instructor’s basic fishing manual and fishing booklets for students. These tools teach students about the relationships between making responsible choices and maintaining quality aquatic resources for future generations.