Education
Outreach Programs at Your School
Avoid permission slips and buses—we have programs that come to you! In the course of an hour, your students will have an aquatic science learning adventure that only Shedd can make possible.
Multimedia, music, movement and memories: These programs will wow you! Adventure through the Amazon, create a coral reef, or explore ocean environments. Bring several classes together for a single program or book a more personal experience for younger children.
Are you ready to transform your gymnasium into another world?
Small-Group Programs
Small-group programs are perfect for the needs of younger audiences. They are 25-minute programs for up to 40 students in grades K–2. 
Amazon: River House Challenge
Students put their imaginations to the test as they simulate a rainstorm, take a make-believe trip down the Amazon River and use clues from rain forest animals to build the perfect flood-proof shelter!
IL State Learning Standards: 12A, 12B, 12E, 13B
Connection to Exhibits: Amazon Rising
SEA Lessons: Habitat Bingo
Register for this program.
Pacific Northwest: Swim Like Me!
Use your tail! Now use your flippers! Students imitate the movements of marine mammals from beluga whales to sea otters. Along the way, they see how animals’ homes can be surprisingly different.
IL State Learning Standards: 12A, 12B, 12E
Connection to Exhibits: Abbott Oceanarium
SEA Lessons: Habitat Bingo, Animal Movement Bingo
Register for this program.
Coral Reef: Tropical Treasure
Students build a coral reef from the bottom up, adding different animals to make a thriving habitat. Exciting activities reveal how many different animals call this delicate habitat home!
IL State Learning Standards: 12A, 12B, 12E
Connection to Exhibits: Wild Reef, Caribbean Reef
SEA Lessons: Animal Imaging, Color Bingo, Habitat Bingo
SEA Interactive: Squish the Fish
Reigster for this program.
Large-Group Programs
Large-group programs make everyone feel immersed in environments around the world. Make your students into scientists for a day! These 45-minute programs are designed for 75 to 250 students in grades K–5.
Animal Extensions
Reinforce concepts from a large-group program with an animal encounter for your students. Shedd staff members visit individual classrooms with a live animal, and students apply concepts from the main presentation. Please note: Animal extensions are only available on the same day as a large-group outreach program.
Amazon: Raised on the River
Students answer a riddle that connects the ribereños people who live on the banks of the Amazon to a pair of famous rain forest reptiles. Imagination, teamwork and math skills come into play.
IL State Learning Standards: 12A, 12B, 12E, 13B, 17A, 17B, 17C
Connection to Exhibits: Amazon Rising
SEA Lessons: Habitat Bingo
External Resources: Wilderness Classroom
Reigster for this program.
Pacific Northwest: Mapping Out Mammals
Follow dolphins, whales and sea otters to discover how different environments exist in the ocean. Your students practice geography skills such as map reading as they travel from an undersea forest to an icy Alaska bay.
IL State Learning Standards: 12A, 12B, 12E, 13B, 17A, 17B, 17C
Connection to Exhibits: Abbott Oceanarium
SEA Lessons: Habitat Bingo, Animal Movement Bingo
Reigster for this program.
Coral Reef: Feeding Frenzy
Dive into a Philippines reef where sharks hunt for prey among dazzling corals. Students learn fundamental science concepts about food and energy while they explore this colorful marine world.
IL State Learning Standards: 12A, 12B, 12C, 12E, 13B
Connection to Exhibits: Wild Reef, Caribbean Reef
SEA Lessons: Animal Imaging, Color Bingo, Habitat Bingo
SEA Interactive: Squish the Fish, Build a Fish
“Great Lakes in My World” Discovery Boxes
Shedd Aquarium has partnered with the Alliance for the Great Lakes to bring aquatic science with a local flavor into the classroom. Based on the Alliance’s “Great Lakes in My World” K–8 curriculum, the discovery boxes include lesson plans and all the resources necessary to guide your students through an exploration of the Great Lakes environment.
Boxes can be rented for $15 for a maximum of three weeks. They are available on the following Great Lakes topics:
• Water (suggested for grades 4–8)
• Habitats (suggested for grades 3–8)
• Biodiversity (suggested for grades K–8)
Obtain a copy of the reservation form. For more information, call 312-692-3165 or e-mail teacherservices@sheddaquarium.org.
Educator resources
Add interactive learning to your curriculum with Shedd Educational Adventures and other classroom resources.
Family programs
Encourage parent/child learning with family programs that connect to science and nature.
Illinois science standards
All outreach programs are aligned with Illinois state science standards.
