Open 9 am - 5 pm
Students gather around a video projector and ask questions as a Shedd expert broadcasts a live Virtual Field Trip session.
Lise Watson, one of Shedd's shark experts, places a target in the water to attract the attention of one of Shedd's zebra sharks and begin a feeding session.

How Our Virtual Field Trips Operate

Live from Behind the Scenes virtual field trips are interactive digital experiences that bring animals and the staff members who care for them to a school classroom to inspire students with real examples with science.

Full list of virtual field trips

Benefits of Virtual Field Trips with Shedd

  • Behind-the-scenes views of the aquarium
  • No bus travel, low cost
  • One-click, seamless addition to your school day
  • Pre- and post-programs lessons provided

Adaptable Curriculum for K-8 Students

Grades K–2

Key concepts: biodiversity, animal behavior, adaptations, conservation, life cycle, STEM careers

Skills: observation, data collection, problem-solving, simple fractions, design

Standards

  • NGSS: K-LS1-1, 2-LS4-1, K-2-ETS1-2
  • Common Core: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K-2.1, CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.OA.A.1
  • Amplify Connections: K – The Needs of Plants and Animals; 1 – Plant and Animal Defenses

Grades 3-5

Key concepts: biodiversity, animal behavior, adaptations, conservation, life cycle, STEM careers

Skills: observation, data collection, problem-solving, multiplication and fractions, design

Standards

  • NGSS: 3-LS1-1, 3-LS4-3, 4-LS1-1, 5-ESS3-1
  • Common Core: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3-5.1
  • Amplify Connections: 3 – Environments and Survival

Grades 6-8

Key concepts: biodiversity, animal behavior, adaptations, conservation, life cycle, STEM careers

Skills: observation, data collection, problem-solving, multiplication and fractions, design

Standards

  • NGSS: MS-LS2-2
  • Common Core: CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RST.6-8.1, CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.WHST.6-8.9
  • Amplify Connections: Evolutionary History; Chapter 1: Finding Species Similarities, Chapter 2: Investigating Body Structure Differences

Accessibility

The learning environment as part of this lesson may include the following sensory triggers: unusual noises-which may be loud, low or moderate; changes in lighting; and, quickly moving, live camera footage.

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.


The contents of Live from Behind the Scenes 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

Grades K–8

Duration

50 minutes

Partners

This project was made possible in part by the Institute for Museum and Library Services.

location

Virtual online

Price

$125 for one group
$95 for an additional group in the same program