Aquarium of the Pacific

Fishing for Change

Grades 9-12

Through an activity that simulates industrial fishing practices, groups of students will act as a fleet of fishing vessels working together to gain the best catch possible and be able to define what “best catch” should mean. Students will experiment with different fishing techniques to determine the best means of avoiding bycatch, overfishing and environmental degradation while maximizing sustainability.  Analysis of their results will lead students in a discussion of current fishing methods, environmental concerns and the tragedy of the commons to gain an increased awareness of human impacts.

A Look Inside

How does a squid swim?  How does a fish breathe underwater?  The answers to these and more questions can be found with a closer look inside.  Choose from a squid or fish and make your first incision into the amazing world of aquatic anatomy.  Your students will discover the ins and outs to these interesting animals in this hands-on dissection.

Aquacology

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

Water is water, or is it? In this class your students will explore the world of aquariums and aquarium filtration. By building their own aquarium systems complete with filtration, students will discover the importance of water quality and what it takes to keep water suitable to support life. Protein skimmers, bio-towers, UV sterilizers and other state of the art aquarium filtration components will be explored in this interactive class. 

AP Biology Lab: Dissolved Oxygen

Oxygen is one of the most essential components for life on our planet. However, oxygen is not always readily available to animals and plants in the ocean. Through this hands-on laboratory session, students will develop and test a hypothesis regarding dissolved oxygen levels in the harbor adjacent to the Aquarium. Students will collect water samples at varying depths and analyze them for dissolved oxygen content. A class discussion will determine whether or not the results correspond to their hypothesis and why.

Please note that the AP Biology Lab is a 2-hour program. If the class arrives more than 30 minutes late, the program will be canceled without refund. Please ask for more information about science standards.

Please note that special rates and times apply for AP Biology Labs. Please call our Reservation Hotline at (562) 951-1630 for details.

AP Environmental Science Laboratory: Finding a Balance

One of the toughest challenges facing any country, state, or even business is to find a balance between “economy” and “environment”. In this hands-on laboratory, students will take the role of environmental scientists by collecting data from the Port of Long Beach using oceanographic equipment such as sediment grabs, Secchi disks, plankton nets, and water samplers. Students will also analyze a real life example of a proposed port development and make decisions on how to balance the resulting environmental and economic impacts.

Please note that the AP Environmental Science Lab is a two hour program. If the class arrives more than 30 minutes late, the program will be cancelled without refund.

Please note that special rates and times apply for AP Biology and Environmental Science Labs. Please call our Reservation Hotline at (562) 951-1630 for details.

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.

It All Flows to Me

9-12 Grade Classroom Program
15-40 students

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.