Spark Curiosity Beyond the Classroom with Shedd Aquarium’s Learning Programs and Offerings

CHICAGO – Shedd Aquarium invites students and educators to take learning beyond the classroom this year with engaging, environmental education programs – from exploring local nature spaces guided by experts to creating an enrichment item for a turtle that visits the classroom.

With educator workshops, school field trips, scout merit badge opportunities and more, Shedd is making strides towards its Centennial Commitment goals, which include strengthening science learning, increasing environmental literacy and empowering futures for youth with equity and inclusion as the central pillars.

Whether in school, in nature or virtual, Shedd strives to bring all students closer to the environment and foster compassion for the plants and animals who call it home.

FOR EDUCATORS

Through school field trips, curriculum guides and teacher professional development, Shedd provides many ways for educators to spark their students’ interest in science and nature.

Science Educator Conference

At the annual Science Educator Conference, Chicago-area educators come together at Shedd for a day of practicing science teaching strategies, learning about Shedd’s educational resources and even meeting some of the animals at Shedd and their caregivers. This year’s conference is titled “Wonders of Water,” exploring the stories of the animals at Shedd and how the aquatic animal world can spark engaging learning opportunities. Illinois teachers are eligible to receive clock hours for this conference.

• Date: Saturday, Nov. 2 from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

• Cost: $60 per educator; parking, lunch and raffles provided

Educator Workshops

Shedd hosts both on-site and virtual workshops throughout the year for educators to receive hands-on and collaborative training led by Shedd experts. All participants will also leave with easy tools and educational resources to utilize in the classroom, inspiring students to learn about and care for the environment around them. Workshop registration costs $25 (virtual) or $35 (on-site) per educator. Illinois teachers are eligible to receive clock hours for these workshops.

• Tackling Microplastics: A Hands-on Training for Educators – Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (on-site)
• Tracking Fish Migration: From Streams to Seas – Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024, from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. (virtual)
• Teaching Climate Change in the 6-12 Classroom – Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, from 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. (virtual)
• Exploring Climate Impacts on the Chicago River – Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (on-site)

Field Trips

In the classroom, in nature or virtually, Shedd helps educators expand their students' minds with unforgettable learning programs and field trips, from behind-the-scenes tours of the aquarium to guided hikes in local parks.

• In School – Shedd offers two in-school programs that can seamlessly fit into the school day. During “Learn with Animals,” Shedd experts bring either a turtle or snake into the classroom and guide students through concepts about biology and the environment. For “Environmental Science” programs, experts visit the classroom and, together with students, explore either coral reefs or mussels with hands-on science activities.
• In Nature – Beyond the classroom walls, Shedd’s expert-guided “Nature Field Trips” promote environmental education through circuit-based activities like guided hikes, data collection, leaf etchings and scavenger hunts.
• Virtual – Get a behind-the-scenes look at the aquarium with “Virtual Field Trips,” which allow students to ask an animal expert questions and engage with the animals at Shedd – all from the comfort of the classroom. Explore the Amazon rainforest, waddle into the penguin habitat or join the sharks for a feeding during these virtual offerings.

Educators can also book an onsite visit to the aquarium for school groups through Shedd’s website. Bus funding is available for Chicago Public Schools on a limited basis.

Additional Resources

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 for educators to utilize, covering topics such as animal rescue and rehabilitation and climate change.

FOR LEARNERS

Shedd Scouts

How do scientists study sharks’ diets? What is ocean topography? What can we learn from observing animals? Learners can discover the answers to these questions and more during special workshops designed for Scouts. Participants will meet animals, get hands-on with games and activities and leave with an aquatic-themed patch or badge.

• Ages: Grades K-12
• Cost: $35 to $45 ($30 to $40 for members), depending upon workshop
• Dates: Throughout the year, depending upon workshop (visit website for more details)

Teen Council

Shedd’s Teen Council brings together conservation-minded peers to meet the animals and experts at Shedd, inspire Shedd programs, develop leadership skills and take action for the environment. Those interested can email [email protected] to learn more.

Teen Nature Days

Everyone has a part to play in protecting the blue planet. Teen Nature Days gives high schoolers the opportunity to take action for animals by restoring local habitats or collecting scientific data alongside their peers. Volunteer hours are offered through this program.

• Ages: Teens, 14-18 years old currently enrolled in high school or home-school equivalent
• Cost: Free, registration required
• Dates: Visit Shedd’s website for updates on upcoming dates

Teen Workshops

At Shedd’s Teen Workshops, participants connect with animals, peers and staff at Shedd to explore different careers at the aquarium and learn about local and global conservation. These workshops encourage teens to discover new interests, engage in STEAM topics and ask questions about the aquatic animal world.

• Ages: Teens, 14-18 years old currently enrolled in high school or home-school equivalent
• Cost: Free, registration required
• Dates: Visit Shedd’s website for updates on upcoming dates

VISUALS: Find high-resolution photos and broadcast quality video here: https://personal.filesanywhere.com/guest/fs?v=8e6f68885b6776aa7368&C=50

Photo Credit: ©Shedd Aquarium