Aquarium of the Pacific

Kelp Forest Explorers

Who has ever heard of a fish swimming through a forest? Towering above the ocean floor off of our California coast, tall majestic kelp forests grow up to 75 meters (250 feet). These giant forests support and protect a wide variety of life that call the kelp their home. Students will explore how kelp forests play an important role in the California marine environment by participating in fascinating experiments and games.

Flippers, Fins and Flukes

Welcome to the world of some of the largest creatures to ever inhabit the earth. From the powerful orca to the massive blue whale, this diverse group of marine mammals has fascinated many for centuries. Students will delve into the realm of cetaceans as they discover some of the unique adaptations and behaviors of dolphins and whales through a variety of activities and games.

Aliens from Inner Space

Did you know that when you go for an ocean swim you are entering a world inhabited by microscopic creatures?  Join us as we discover the fascinating world of plankton.  Under a microscope these creatures can look like aliens, but through hands-on activities and microscope discovery we will reveal the importance of this alien world to your students as they delve into a freshly caught sample of plankton.

Superheroes of the Sea

Learn the fascinating adaptations of the superheroes of the sea!  In this class students will discover which animals are the fastest, largest, smallest and most endangered in the ocean.  Students will participate in an interactive game full of amazing animals and explore the watery world full of invertebrates, bony fish, whales, and sharks!

FBI Investigates Freaky Fish

Your mission:  To investigate the variety of fishes that have infiltrated the Pacific and report back to headquarters.  Join the FBI (Fish Bureau of Investigation) as they discover the diversity and range of Pacific Ocean fish.  After the program, head out into the Aquarium to continue your search until you find something “fishy!”

Ocean Rangers: Shark Mythbusters!

Is it safe to go back in the water? Officer Opaleye returns for another Ocean Ranger adventure in order to answer that very question! This time, students will follow sharks into their ocean habitat to learn the truths and dispel the myths surrounding these incredible predators. Through investigation, problem solving and interviews with experts, the students will help to identify the mystery shark and find out what we can do to protect these creatures.

Predator!

Sharks. Sea lions. Sea stars. What do all of these animals have in common? They are all predators! Dive headfirst into the world of predators in this interactive program. Students will go into a frenzy touching a real shark as they dispel some of the myths of this world-famous predator. Join us for some hands-on bravery as we take a bite out of feeding strategies of ocean animals.

Wet and Wild

Grades 5-8

Join us for a splash of a good time as we explore the properties of water and how animals can survive in a marine environment.  Through a series of hands-on activities, students will investigate the aspects of ocean water and how they affect marine creatures.  Learn all about the crazy things animals do to survive in the ocean in this dynamic program. 

It all Flows to Me

Grades 5-12

Utilizing the Aquarium’s new interactive Watershed Classroom and Exhibit, students will be led on a journey through their watershed from the mountains to the coastal ocean. Along the way participants will learn about the importance of ground water in the hydrologic cycle and in our drinking water supply. By exploring the link between watersheds, ground water and pollution, students will learn how they are part of the water cycle and discover how they can help to change their environment for the better. It All Flows to Me was developed with the generous support of the Water Replenishment District of Southern California.

We can take this program on the road! This is also available as an Aquarium on Wheels program.