Shedd Aquarium Encourages Lifelong Learning for Everyone’s Inner Marine Biologist

Shedd Aquarium Encourages Lifelong Learning for Everyone’s Inner Marine Biologist

Back to school inspired programs and offerings bring all closer to the aquatic animal world

Chicago – Typical classrooms house rows of desks under florescent lights, but at Shedd, the aquarium offers a living, breathing classroom. With back-to-school season underway, Shedd offers educational and experiential programs that invite learners of all ages up close to nature and animals.

Shedd’s programs inspire the next generation of scientists and everyone’s inner marine biologist to care for and conserve the blue planet, proving that learning can take place anywhere – from a beach on the shores of Lake Michigan to a behind-the-scenes water quality laboratory. As part of Shedd’s Centennial Commitment, these programs are created with equity and inclusion at the center that deepen science learning, increase environmental literacy and empower futures for youth and community.

Additional program dates and times will be updated throughout the year.

LEARN ABOUT LOCAL ECOSYSTEMS

Teen Nature Days

High schoolers can set aside their textbooks and take action for animals at Teen Nature Days. These free volunteer opportunities give teens the chance to help restore, protect and explore local beaches, waterways and forest preserves while gaining a greater understanding about important ecosystems in Chicago from experts.

Kayak for Conservation

With Kayak for Conservation tours, the whole family can join in on the learning experience. Guided by a Shedd nature expert, participants paddle down the Chicago River and discover floating wetlands, see the skyline, enjoy exercise and spot a diversity of wildlife including birds, turtles and maybe even a jumping carp or two. Along the way, kayakers will hear about innovative efforts to revitalize, research and restore the critical freshwater ecosystem in the heart of the city.

Nature Field Trips

Journey beyond the classroom walls for outdoor hands-on education with Nature Field Trips. Students will be led by a Shedd expert to engage in scientific practices, hone their observation skills and connect with the natural world at a local park or forest preserve. Activities may include guided hikes, data collection, scavenger hunts and more.

LEARN ABOUT AQUATIC ANIMALS AT SHEDD

Teen Workshops

Teen Workshops bring together young conservationists to explore different careers in STEAM topics, discover new interests that support aquatic life, meet like-minded peers and connect with the animals at Shedd. These free workshops give high schoolers the opportunity to hear firsthand from experts across the aquarium about their work and experiences.

Shedd Scouts

Tap into curiosity, think like a scientist and earn a one-of-a-kind patch with special workshops at the aquarium designed for Scouts. Shedd hosts three programs for different ages throughout the year – Marine Biologist Patch, Oceanography Merit Badge and Aquarium Observer – that guide Scouts through hands-on games and activities exploring different topics about animals and their environments.

Animal Chats and Live Programs

Every visit to Shedd is an opportunity to uncover something new about unique animals from around the world. Included with admission, guests can catch daily Animal Chats and “Live!” Programs around the aquarium to hear from animal experts and ask questions about sharks, belugas, penguins, electric eels, river giants and more. Some programs also give guests the chance to watch live feedings by animal caretakers.

School Programs

Shake up the school day with a visit from a Shedd learning expert – and maybe an animal too – bringing the aquatic animal world directly to the traditional classroom. The aquarium offers both in-school programming and virtual field trips that seamlessly fit into the school day and structure to support all learners. Students can explore coral reef relationships, animal enrichment and biodiversity with engaging activities and lessons. Virtual field trips give students the chance to see the animals at Shedd and ask questions to animal caretakers. Bilingual support is offered for school programs. Educators can also book an onsite visit to the aquarium for school groups through Shedd’s website.

LEARN ABOUT ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION

Science Educator Conference

At the annual Science Educator Conference, teachers across Chicago can connect with one another, practice innovative science teaching strategies and hear about Shedd’s resources. This day-long conference gives educators the skills and confidence to implement environmental lessons in their own classrooms, plus come face-to-face with some of the incredible animals at Shedd.

Educator Workshops

Throughout the year, Shedd also hosts Educator Workshops on different topics in science and conservation. These professional development opportunities provide hands-on training, lesson plans and resources to help educators inspire their students to care for and conserve the blue planet.

Educator Newsletter

By signing up for Shedd’s educator newsletter, teachers can stay up to date on the latest aquarium news and receive exclusive invitations to programming. Shedd also provides a variety of lesson plans and learning activities to utilize, covering topics such as animal rescue and rehabilitation and climate change.

Shedd Aquarium is a recognized leader in animal care, education, conservation and science that sparks compassion, curiosity and conservation for the aquatic animal world. Every year, Shedd serves as a portal for millions of guests, bringing them eye-to-eye with belugas and bluegills, stingrays and sturgeons, coral reefs, kelp forests and countless other species from around the world. An accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), the organization is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and supported by the people of Chicago, the State of Illinois and the Chicago Park District. www.sheddaquarium.org




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