3 Day Program for High School Teachers

Join the Aquarium of the Pacific for three days of exploration in a unique combination of classroom and off-site field experiences. This professional teacher workshop focuses on Southern California ecosystems with inquiry-based lesson plans, on-line resources, and creates outdoor experiences for teachers to share with their students.

The first day of the workshop will be held at the Aquarium of the Pacific in a classroom setting to discuss wetlands, Marine Protected Areas, whale migration and conservation. On-line classroom resources such as the new Aquarium of the Pacific’s Whale Project application, hands-on activities, and small group discussions will be used to cover general topics.

Explore the wetlands on a 2 hour guided walking tour of Bolsa Chica Wetlands on our second day of the workshop. Teachers will document their experience by taking pictures for a photo-journal project.

On the last day of the workshop teachers will board our 2 ½ whale watch cruise with an opportunity to see gray whales, seal lions, and marine birds in our local Southern California ecosystem. Teachers will learn about whale photo-identification, mapping our local whale species, and build on their photo-journals.

Registration: Space is limited; please call 1630 to reserve a space. Deadline is February 1, 2013.
Grade Designation: 9th-12th grade teachers
Availability: Space for 30 teachers on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Cost: $25
Dates: February 9th, 16th, and 23rd.

The workshop will include:

• Classroom content and snacks on day one.
• 2 hour guided tour of the Bolsa Chica wetlands on day two.
• 2 ½ hour Whale Watch on day three.

Teachers will need to provide their own:

• Computer (optional for first day)
• Transportation to Bolsa Chica wetlands (day two).
• Camera for photo journaling projects (all three days)

Schedule

• Day 1: February 9th

  • Program Location: Watershed Classroom, Aquarium
  • Length: Saturday session 1pm - 5:30pm

• Day 2: February 16th (transport not provided to offsite location)

  • Program Location: Bolsa Chica Wetland Preserve
  • Length: Saturday session 8:30am – 11:30am

• Day 2: February 23rd

  • Program Location: Harbor Breeze Whale Watch (meet on Aquarium Plaza)
  • Length: Saturday session 11:30am – 3:30pm

Topics Covered in Program:

• Wetland Ecosystems
• Marine Protected Areas
• Whale migration and conservation
• Web resources and applications for your classroom
• Photo journaling for your classroom

Program Components:

• 2 hour guided tour at Bolsa Chica Wetlands
• 2 ½ hour whale watch (will be on the general public cruise)
• Snacks provided on day one.
• Parking
• Entrance to the Aquarium
• Curriculum materials