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Education
Child and Teen Program Listings

To register for any Shedd program, please download and fill out a copy of our registration form. Fax or mail it to the address provided on the form.

A student conducts research in the Bahamas as part of the High School Marine Biology program

Programs for Children

Summer Worlds Tour 2008 Summer Camp
Summer Camp on Chicago’s Museum Campus

During the weeklong Summer Worlds Tour, children ages 5 to10 will make stops at Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium. Campers will discover tools of exploration at Adler, uncover stories of mythical creatures at Field and transform into underwater explorers at Shedd. Along the way they'll investigate exhibits, create original art projects, play learning games and have lunch along the shore of Lake Michigan. Choose one of the four one-week sessions beginning July 7.

  • Session I: July 7-11
  • Session II: July 14-18
  • Session III: July 21-25
  • Session IV: July 28-Aug. 1

Please visit www.adlerplanetarium.org/summerworldstour to complete your registration on line. Questions? Please call Adler Planetarium at 312-322-0329.


Shedd Explorers: The Next Generation of Natural World Ambassadors
Get ready for a full week of aquatic excitement this summer at Shedd Aquarium.

As a Shedd Explorer you will connect with Shedd's animal collection, exhibits and experts through energetic learning adventures. Play interactive games and challenge your understanding while you're on your way to becoming a natural world ambassador. Featured activities for the
Shedd Explorers Camp will include live-animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, exploration of the aquarium exhibits, outdoor learning and hands-on opportunities.
 
All summer sessions are SOLD OUT.
For more information on upcoming programs, please e-mail families@sheddaquarium.org.


Shedd Explorers Weekends
Shedd Explorers is a program geared for students ages 11 to 14 who are energized by aquatic science and want to participate in exciting challenges, make new discoveries and get unique glimpses of Shedd. Join us and uncover a new endeavor each session and discover how we can impact our natural world.

Each program takes place on Saturdays from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

  • Sept. 6  — Exploring Birds of Prey
    Get a bird's-eye view of the unique role these animals play in our world.
  • Nov. 1  — Exploring the Amazon
    Explore the hidden connections this diverse rain forest holds

Fees: $27 per person ($19 per person Shedd members). Includes admission to the aquarium only.

Special offer:
Those registered for Shedd Explorers Weekends enjoy free admission to the Family First Saturday program on the same day. They must be accompanied by another paying member of their family.

Registration is required. To register, please call 312-692-2702. For more information or questions, please e-mail families@sheddaquarium.org.

Programs for Teens

Summer Mentor Programs for Teens
High School Lake Ecology (HSLE) and High School Marine Biology (HSMB) are Shedd Aquarium’s field-based summer high school programs. Although two very different experiences, both programs offer an exciting opportunity for students to travel and investigate the world of aquatic science while experiencing life on the open water. Students will work closely with Shedd Aquarium scientists and experts in the field, getting an insider’s look into careers related to aquatic science, conservation and the environment. Students can apply to both programs to increase their chances of participation; however, only one program can be completed per summer.

High School Marine Biology (HSMB)
Shedd’s High School Marine Biology Program is designed for the student who wants to explore marine science as a possible career. Students are introduced to marine biology and the scientific method in a classroom setting at Shedd Aquarium and then apply this knowledge by conducting research in the Bahamas on Shedd's live-aboard vessel, the R/V Coral Reef II. This program is available to students in the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Michigan and Wisconsin.

For the first time this year, through its partnership with Wilderness Classroom, students, teachers, parents and friends will be able to learn right along with HSMB participants via postings, podcasts, blogs, photos, videos, informational resources and even direct communication on the web.

Featured Entry:  Intertidal Zone Survey

 


High School Lake Ecology (HSLE)
High School Lake Ecology provides high school students the adventure of life on the open water while exploring aquatic science and the Great Lakes ecosystem. Participants will live and work aboard the Denis Sullivan, a 137-foot schooner, while sailing on Lake Michigan. This program is available to students in the following Illinois counties: Cook, Lake, McHenry, Kane, DuPage, Kendall, Will, Grundy and Kankakee.


Young Naturalists
The Young Naturalists program invites 15 outgoing and motivated Chicago high school students to join Shedd in creatively connecting aquarium guests to nature. The Young Naturalists will receive training in educational techniques to help them share the knowledge they've gained through their exploration of Shedd. This six-week program is an intensive work experience that serves to introduce students to the professional world of natural science education. 

For your application to be considered you must fulfill all of the requirements listed below:

  • Be a resident of the city of Chicago
  • Be a Chicago high school student between the ages of 15 and 18 (you must be 15 by June 16, 2009)
  • Have completed at least one year of high school science

Please check back in February 2009 for program application information.


Club Shedd
Monthly meetings; fall or spring semester
Fee: $75; needs-based scholarships are available

Club Shedd is for high school students interested in aquatic science and the environment. Participants enjoy monthly meetings featuring presentations, environmental discussions, career exploration, local field trip opportunities and the camaraderie of students with similar interests.

Requirements: Participant must be in 9th to 12th grade and be at least 14 years old.
Click here to view or download information about the Club Shedd program.
Click here to view or download the Club Shedd registration form for the 2008-2009 sessions. Please fax back forms to Maggie Kurcz at 312-663-1472.

 

 
CHECK IT OUT
Virtual Classroom

This summer, you can learn right along with Shedd's High School Marine Biology students via podcasts, blogs, photos, videos and even direct communication on the web at Wilderness Classroom.

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