Launch into a new unit by inviting a snake visitor to the classroom!
This 50 minute, NGSS-aligned program removes barriers for students to look nature in the eye as they will learn about interdependent relationships in ecosystems, biodiversity and relations to humans. Their exploration will focus on enrichment, which gives animals an outlet for physical activity and mental exercise, as well as choice and control over how they spend their time. The exploration will make students aware of key conservation challenges connected to the species that live at Shedd.
Guided by Shedd Educators:
Our skilled educators lead this enriching experience, encouraging students to inquire, capture real-time data akin to our animal care teams, meet fascinating creatures and expand their understanding of our shared blue planet.
Significantly Modified Program Available
This program can be designed for separate
setting special education classrooms. The adapted curriculum includes visuals, multi-sensory
experiences and both turn-based and group activities aligned for learners who
communicate both verbally and non-verbally. When registering, please select
"Significantly Modified Program" on the form.
Significantly Modified Programs available for each
grade band
Duration
45 minutes
Price
$125 per program
Capacity
35 students per program
This program includes live animals. For reasons of animal care, the focus animal of this program may change at the last minute.
Dates
Tuesdays - Thursdays 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m.
Location
At your school
How Our In-School Programs Operate
Shedd Aquarium offers two types of in-school programming — Learn with Animals and Environmental Science.
Our Snakes and Enrichment program falls under "Learn with Animals." This tailored program brings the aquatic world directly to your school, fostering a deep understanding of animals, their needs, and their relationships with the environment. These engaging field trips are designed to be safe, welcoming, and hands-on, creating a unique opportunity for students to explore new concepts and establish a meaningful connection with animals and conservation challenges.
NGSS: 2-LS2-1 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy and Dynamics - Plan and conduct an investigation to determine if plants need sunlight and water to grow; 2-LS2-2 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy and Dynamics - Develop a simple model that mimics the function of an animal in dispersing seeds or pollinating plants; 2-LS4-1 Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity - Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.
Amplify: Grade 2 – Plant and Animal Relationships, Lessons 3.5-4.4
Social Studies: SS.IS.1.K-2. Create questions to help guide inquiry about a topic with guidance from adults and/or peers.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL): 1C.1b. Identify goals for academic success and classroom behavior; 2C.1b. Demonstrate appropriate social and classroom behavior.
Grades 3-5
Key concepts: Snakes, Reptiles, Systems and System Models
NGSS: 2-LS2-1 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy and Dynamics - Plan and conduct an investigation to determine if plants need sunlight and water to grow; 2-LS2-2 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy and Dynamics - Develop a simple model that mimics the function of an animal in dispersing seeds or pollinating plants; 2-LS4-1 Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity - Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.
Amplify: Grade 2 – Plant and Animal Relationships, Lessons 3.5-4.4
Social Studies: SS.IS.1.3-5. Develop essential questions and explain the importance of the questions to self and others.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL): 2C.2b. Analyze ways to work effectively in groups.
Grades 6-8
Key concepts: Snakes, Reptiles, Systems and System Models
NGSS: MS-LS1-5 From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes - Construct a scientific explanation based on evidence for how environmental and genetic factors influence the growth of organisms; MS-LS1-5 From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes - Gather and synthesize information that sensory receptors respond to stimuli by sending messages to the brain for immediate behavior or storage as memories.
Social Studies: SS.IS.1.6-8. Create essential questions to help guide inquiry about a topic.
Social Emotional Learning (SEL): 2C.3b. Demonstrate cooperation and teamwork to promote group effectiveness.
Accessibility
The learning environment as part of this lesson/program may include the following sensory triggers: unusual smells; touch sensitivity; and participants may get wet or dirty.
This program includes:
Moving short distances
Moving and standing for up to one hour
Work taking place at standard tables with chairs
Sitting on the floor for activities
Viewing an AV presentation with videos and images
Facilitators’ use of portable voice amplification
We believe there should be no boundaries to your Shedd Aquarium experience. If you have an accommodation request related to a disability, please submit that information during your program reservation. Please visit our accessibility page to learn more.
The contents of Learn with Animals: Snakes and Enrichment was developed as part of the Shedd Pathways to Environmental Education Initiative under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education. However, the contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government. One hundred percent ($540,932) of the total costs of the initiative from Aug. 1, 2023 to Aug. 31, 2024 are financed with federal money. We express appreciation for our Federal Congressionally Funded Community Project sponsor, House Representative Mike Quigley.
