Maritime Magic is an integrative Connecticut standards-based, interdistrict educational program. Building on the success of past years, this program expects to engage third, fourth and fifth grade students from Fairfield County in a science-based program focusing on Long Island Sound.  Major academic/diversity goals and activities include: improvement of participants' academic (reading, writing, listening, speaking, inquiry, science, math and social studies skills) and cross-cultural communication skills, all done in a fun and challenging environment.

These themes will be presented through activities such as shoreline and salt marsh exploration; water pollution studies; classification of flora, fauna and other organisms; weather and cloud studies, recording observations through journals, digital photos, computer presentations and other manual/graphic arts forms; sailing on the Sound; and exploring oyster beds, bird sanctuaries and other locations. This program will raise understanding in natural and man-made maritime environments and raise awareness about maritime economies and careers. Complementing this academic curriculum, the program will also address issues of diversity. Students will work in groups of 15-18 that will include a mix of students from different towns, backgrounds and cultures. Teachers and instructors themselves from diverse backgrounds, will encourage students to celebrate diversity through sharing and directed activities. Parents/guardians are invited to be co-participants: attending special maritime programs, accompanying students on field trips, and assisting teachers (captains) in classroom (ships) activities.