Anchored to Hope: Empowering Youth to Lead the Conservation Conversation
Explore ways to navigate conservation learning with your students. Connect with Shedd and local experts as they share strategies, content and stories to support your instruction. Practice with tools to empower your learners to have hope and agency in their future. Come away with everything from plans to introduce conservation topics to best practices for science instruction in and out of the classroom!
Meet other Chicago-area educators and become a part of our learning community where you’ll find resources custom-made for your learners.
Participants will be divided into grade-band cohorts to ensure your sessions are best aligned with the learners you teach! Please register for the cohort that best matches the grades you teach or aligns with your needs.
Participate in the behind-the-scenes tours and conversations with Shedd specialists and experts.
Receive free parking and a Shedd swag bag of resources/giveaways.
Meet special animal guests up close with their caregivers.
Experience a full day of learning and enriching workshops with all meals included (light breakfast, lunch and afternoon hors d'oeuvres and beverages).
Enter raffles for the chance to win additional classroom resources.
Admission to the aquarium for free exploration after the conference ends.
Clock Hours
Illinois teachers registered for this program will receive 7 clock hours upon completion and a letter that can be shared with your school administration. A current Illinois Educator Identification Number (IEIN) Number is required for Clock Hours. Non-Illinois teachers can receive a completion letter as needed.
Program Outcomes
Every Shedd program is evaluated so we never stop learning
from you. Here’s what we’ve learned from past participants:
Educators develop their science-process skills by conducting investigations of the natural world.
Educators gain awareness of Shedd resources for science instruction, both in and out of the classroom.
Educators practice new science instructional strategies while engaging in activities designed for students.
Educators gain ideas from peers on integration of inquiry-based science instruction in the classroom.
2026 Session Titles
This year we are making some small changes to our format and structure. K-5 educators and 6-12 educators will be divided into two cohorts. Groups will have session offerings that are more targeted to students in their grade band and then all groups will get to choose between 1 of 3 tour experiences. See our session titles below to get an idea of what to expect this year!
K-5 Sessions
Empathy and Curiosity: Building the Foundation for Conservation
Empathy, Emotion, and Learning: Using Hope-Based Narratives and Neuroscience to Connect to Nature
Taking Learning Outdoors: Strategies for Engaging Exploration
More to Come
6-12 Sessions
Fascination and Conservation: Using Curiosity to Drive Environmental Stewardship
Sour Seas: Ocean Acidification and Art Advocacy
Why Does This Matter? Using Eco-Drivers to Connect Science and Student Identity
Restoring Chicago: Reimagining Urban Spaces for People and Nature
More to Come
Workshop Sessions
Wonders of Water: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems
Connecting with Animals: Living Connections, Lasting Curiosity
Empathy for the Unseen: Inspiring Care for Misunderstood Wildlife
Parking is provided by Shedd Aquarium and the exact location will be shared via email before the event. Parking lots are managed by Standard Parking, NOT Shedd Aquarium. For more information on parking at Shedd, visit soldierfieldparking.com.
No refunds will be issued unless Shedd Aquarium cancels the program. Shedd Aquarium reserves the right to cancel the event for any reason. If your event is cancelled, you will be informed by phone as soon as possible. In the event of a cancellation, you will receive a full refund within 30 days, based on your original method of payment.
The preferred payment method is online using either "Get Tickets" button on this page. Tickets can also be purchased over the phone at 312-939-2438 (available from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST daily). Credit card payments are accepted and must be processed immediately at the time of booking to secure your order. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.
If you would like to pay by check, you must provide us the check number that will be sent for your order, the date that the check will be mailed, and your check must also have the confirmation number of your reservation stated to ensure it is processed correctly. Registration will not be confirmed until payment has been received. Check payments can be mailed to:
Shedd Aquarium Society 29017 Network Place Chicago, IL 60673-1290
Accessibility
Use of stairs; elevators are available
Moving and standing for up to 1 hour
Work taking place at standard tables with chairs provided
Use of tools like scissors, forceps, tablets and microscopes
Moving around the aquarium, which has varying light, noise and temperature levels
The learning environment as part of this experience may include the following sensory triggers: unusual noises that may be loud, low or moderate; changes in lighting; unusual smells; touch sensitivity due the use of tight-fitting gloves; and, participants may get wet or dirty.
Facilitators will be using 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 contact us at [email protected] or 312-939-2438. We look forward to assisting you.
This program is made possible with support from the Dover Foundation.
THIS PROGRAM IS MADE POSSIBLE WITH SUPPORT FROM THE
If you have an accommodation request related to a disability, impairment, or other need related to your experience please let us know via phone or email: 312-692-3333 or [email protected]
