Shedd Aquarium Programs & Events in Chicago

Youth & Families

Learn More, visit Shedd Scouts: Marine Biologist Patch

Shedd Scouts: Marine Biologist Patch

Ages: Scouts in grades 2 - 5
Cost: $35 ($30 for members)
Dates: Saturday, April 19, 2025 - Sold out!

How would you study a leopard shark’s diet? Visit animals at Shedd while practicing research techniques that marine biologists use to answer questions about animals and their habitats.

During these special workshops designed for Scouts, meet animals, get hands on with games and activities, and explore this unique career. Every Scout will leave with a one-of-a-kind Shedd Aquarium Marine Biologist patch.

Learn More , visit Shedd Scouts: Marine Biologist Patch

Learn More, visit Shedd Scouts: Oceanography Merit Badge

Shedd Scouts: Oceanography Merit Badge

Ages: Scouts in grades 6 - 12
Cost: $45 ($40 for members)
Dates: Saturday, May 17, 2025 - One spot left!

Do you wonder what’s beneath the waves? Do you want to learn more about our aquatic world? Explore with us as we take a deep dive into the different branches of oceanography. We’ll cover topics ranging from ocean topography, water chemistry, and—of course—aquatic life! Guided by Shedd experts, you’ll complete prerequisites beforehand, and leave with the Boy Scouts of America Oceanography Merit Badge!

Learn More , visit Shedd Scouts: Oceanography Merit Badge

Teens

Learn More, visit Shedd Scouts: Oceanography Merit Badge

Shedd Scouts: Oceanography Merit Badge

Ages: Scouts in grades 6 - 12
Cost: $45 ($40 for members)
Dates: Saturday, May 17, 2025 - One spot left!

Do you wonder what’s beneath the waves? Do you want to learn more about our aquatic world? Explore with us as we take a deep dive into the different branches of oceanography. We’ll cover topics ranging from ocean topography, water chemistry, and—of course—aquatic life! Guided by Shedd experts, you’ll complete prerequisites beforehand, and leave with the Boy Scouts of America Oceanography Merit Badge!

Learn More , visit Shedd Scouts: Oceanography Merit Badge

College Students

Learn more, visit Freshwater Ecology

Freshwater Ecology

Dates: Applications for the Fall 2025 semester are due April 28th. Contact Hilary Wind for more information. Late applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

Cost: Tuition is paid to your university at the current rate. An additional laboratory fee of $150 covers all course materials, including all field trips.

Freshwater Ecology is an upper-level undergraduate course offered to students enrolled in an ACCA school. Offered annually in the fall semester, this class introduces students to freshwater ecology and human-environment interactions with a special focus on the Great Lakes and local waterways. In this class, students will investigate and research the roles that water, animals, plants, and humans play in freshwater ecosystems and explore conservation actions from a local to global scale.

Learn more , visit Freshwater Ecology

Learn more, visit Marine Ecology

Marine Ecology

Dates: Applications for the spring 2026 course will open in during fall 2025. Email all applications to Hilary Wind.

Cost: Tuition is paid to your university at the current rate. An additional laboratory fee of $1700 is due to Shedd Aquarium upon acceptance.

Marine Ecology is an upper-level undergraduate course open to students currently enrolled in an ACCA school. This course will introduce general ecological concepts pertaining to marine and island ecosystems as well as our relationship to these systems. Conservation management as it relates to island ecosystems will also be covered. The course will build on resources within Shedd Aquarium – including its collection and expert staff – along with guest speakers working in the field of marine conservation.

Learn more , visit Marine Ecology

Sunday, April 27, 2025

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