This School Year, Animals Lead the Lesson at Shedd Aquarium

At Shedd Aquarium, aquatic life leads the lesson as learners head back to school. Learn with Shedd programs invite people to explore animals, local waters, habitats and ecosystems to develop curiosity and deeper understanding.

This fall, there are opportunities for learners of all ages to get hands-on experiences that connect participants to the blue planet. For students, science becomes something to touch, test and try. For educators, classroom learning extends into the living world. For families, curiosity becomes a shared experience and lasting memory.

Then, later this year, Shedd Aquarium will officially open the Morgridge Family Lakeside Learning Studios, which will serve as buzzing and dynamic classrooms for aquatic investigations and animal encounters. This new space, another chapter in Shedd's Centennial Commitment, is designed to create a new home for learning and shape a more equitable future for environmental education in Chicago.

NOT YOUR TYPICAL SCHOOL DAY

For an especially memorable day of learning, Shedd offers dynamic and engaging field trip programs beyond the traditional aquarium visit. In schools, Shedd experts come to classrooms – sometimes with a visit from an aquatic animal – and engage students in science-based activities. Outdoors, Nature Field Trips guide students in an exploration of local ecosystems and encourage observation skills. Students can also get a behind-the-scenes look at the aquarium with Virtual Field Trips, where curious animal lovers can ask questions to Shedd experts via a live video call.

EARN A BADGE OF (AQUATIC) HONOR

Scouts can swap their camping gear for scientific tools with Shedd's special workshops on aquatic research and water chemistry. These programs, designed for scouts of different age groups and guided by Shedd experts, invite kids to channel their inner marine biologist while earning merit badges or patches.

• Scouts in grades K-1: Aquarium Observer

• Scouts in grades 2-5: Marine Biologist Patch

• Scouts in grades 6-12: Oceanography Merit Badge

CONNECT WITH NATURE – AND HELP PROTECT IT

Teen Nature Days are free volunteer opportunities for teens to spend time outdoors, make a positive difference for local wildlife and get to know other like-minded nature lovers. Guided by a Shedd expert, participants will learn about the ecosystems in their backyards, explore beautiful landscapes and take action to restore natural spaces. Teen Nature Day activities can vary, from beach cleanups to bike rides. Later in December, Shedd will also host a free Teen Workshop, giving a special look at animals, conservation efforts and/or careers at the aquarium. Teens are encouraged to check Shedd's website for fall dates coming soon.

LIFELONG LEARNING AND RESOURCES FOR EDUCATORS

There is never an age limit for learning! Shedd hosts several professional development opportunities for teachers and educators to enhance their science curriculum with hands-on, engaging activities and lesson plans centered around environmental education. The Shedd Science Educator Conference welcomes a community of learning professionals to practice innovative science teaching strategies that connect classrooms to nature and the aquarium. Other Teacher Workshops, held throughout the year, provide training and suggestions for engaging environmental education in the classroom.

VISUALS: Find high-resolution photos here: https://personal.filesanywhere.com/guest/fs?v=8e71668b5e65737a6eab&C=50.

Photo Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium