This 50 minute, NGSS-aligned program removes barriers for students to look nature in the eye as they will practice engineering and design principles and learn about biological evolution, unity and diversity. This habitat-focused 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
Tuesday - Fridays 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 Turtles and Habitats 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.
Turtles, Adaptations, Healthy Habitats, Structure and Function, Systems and System Models, Cause and Effect
Skills:
Asking Questions and Defining Problems, Developing and Using Models, Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
Standards
NGSS: 3-LS4-3 Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity - Construct an argument with evidence that in a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well and some cannot survive at all; 3-5-ETS1-2 Engineering Design - Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem.
Amplify: Grade 3 – Unit: Environments and Survival
Social Studies: Unit 2 – Community and Its Environment
Social Emotional Learning (SEL): 1A Identify and manage one’s emotions and behavior; 2A Recognize the feelings and perspectives of others; 2C Use communication and social skills to interact effectively with others; 3B Apply decision-making skills to deal responsibly with daily academic and social situations.
Grades 6-8
Key Concepts:
Turtles, Adaptations, Healthy Habitats, Structure and Function, Systems and System Models, Cause and Effect
Skills:
Conducting an Investigation, Asking Questions and Defining Problems, Developing and Using Models, Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
Standards
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: Unit 2 – Community and Its Environment
Social Emotional Learning (SEL): 1A Identify and manage one’s emotions and behavior; 2A Recognize the feelings and perspectives of others; 2C Use communication and social skills to interact effectively with others; 3B Apply decision-making skills to deal responsibly with daily academic and social situations.
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: Turtles and Habitats 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.
Grade Levels
K-2, 3-5, 6-8
Duration
45 minutes
Pricing and 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.
