Open 9 am - 6 pm
There will be traffic and other impacts on and around Museum Campus due to the Chicago Marathon. Advanced ticket reservations are highly recommended.
Person taking notes outside of the Shedd
Person dissecting animal using camera

The value of this day-long conference:

  • Receive free parking, a Shedd swag bag of resources/giveaways and cocktails during the social.
  • Participate in the behind-the-scenes tours and conversations with Shedd specialists and experts. 
  • Meet special animal guests up close with their caregivers. 
  • Experience a full day of learning and enriching workshops with all meals included (light brunch snack, lunch and afternoon hors d'oeuvres).
  • 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 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. 

2024 Session Titles

  • Ambassador Animals: Research and Action at Shedd
  • Empathy and Education: Shedd’s Role in Otter Surrogacy
  • Navigating Fisheries: A Hands-On Simulation
  • Level Up Learning: Creating Science Games with Purpose
  • Cultivating Inclusivity: Science Notebooks as Tools for Belonging
  • Predict, Observe, Explain: Engaging Learners with Puzzling Phenomena
  • Exploring Aquatic Mythology and Animal Symbolism in Ancient Civilizations
  • Climate Change Conversation Starters
  • AZA SAFE Sunflower Sea Star: Lab Research Guides Field Conservation
  • Aquatic Architecture: Insights from Habitat Renovations
  • Multiple Ways of Knowing: Integrative Approaches to Science and Art for the Classroom
  • From Data to Discovery: Enhancing Student Understanding

Science Educator Conference FAQs

A Magellanic penguin stands on the rocks of its Polar Play Zone habitat, other penguins visible in the background swimming on their stomachs in the water.
Beluga whale Kayavak peers out of the water at Shedd Aquarium.

Payment Methods

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

  • Dover Foundation Logo

Date

Saturday, November 2, 2024

Cost

$60 per educator; parking, lunch and raffles provided

Accessibility

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]

Questions?

Email Learning Programs with any questions.