Some of the ocean’s biggest and smallest inhabitants are explored in these programs that encourage students to see the ocean in a new way. Please see the list of programs below for more specific information.

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.

SCIENCE STANDARDS: 3rd: 1a; 3a, b. 4th: 2a, b; 3b, c. 5th: 2f, g; 6a.

COMMON CORE: Speaking and Listening Standards Grades 3, 4, 5: 1.b; Language Standards Grade 3: 1.e, Language Standards Grades 3, 4, 5: 6.

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.

SCIENCE STANDARDS: 3rd: 3a-c. 4th: 2b; 3b. 5th: 6a.

COMMON CORE: Language Standards Grade 3: 1.e; Language Standards Grades 3, 4, 5: 6.

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.

SCIENCE STANDARDS: 3rd: 1a; 3a-d; 5d. 4th: 2a, b; 3b, d; 6a. 5th: 2f; 6a-c, f.

COMMON CORE: Speaking and Listening Standards Grades 3, 4, 5: 1.b, c, d; Language Standards Grade 3: 1.e; Language Standards Grades 3- 8: 6; Reading Standards for Literacy in Science and Technical Subjects Grades 6-8: 3

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!

SCIENCE STANDARDS: 3rd: a, b, d, e. 4th: 2b; 3b; 6a, c. 5th: 2b; 3a; 6a.

COMMON CORE: Speaking and Listening Standards Grades 3, 4, 5: 1.b, c, d; Language Standards Grade 3: 1.e; Language Standards Grades 3, 4, 5: 6

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!”

SCIENCE STANDARDS: 3a; 5b, d. 5th: 6a.

COMMON CORE: Language Standards Grade 3: 1.e; Language Standards Grades 3, 4, 5: 6.

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.

SCIENCE STANDARDS: 3rd: 3a, b; 5b. 4th: 2b. 5th: 6a.

COMMON CORE: Language Standards Grade 3: 1.e; Language Standards Grades 3, 4, 5: 6.

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.

SCIENCE STANDARDS: 3rd: 3a-c. 4th: 2b; 6a. 5th: 2c; 6a.

COMMON CORE: Speaking and Listening Standards Grades 3, 4, 5: 1.b, c, d; Language Standards 3: 1.e; Language Standards 3, 4, 5: 6; Language Standards 6-8: 6.

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.

SCIENCE STANDARDS: 5th: 3a-d. 6th: 5e; 6b. 8th: 3d, e; 8a, d; 9a.

COMMON CORE: Speaking and Listening Standards Grades 3, 4, 5: 1.b, c, d; Language Standards Grade 3: 1.e; Language Standards Grades 3, 4, 5: 6.

It All Flows to Me

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.

Get More Info on It All Flows to Me

COMMON CORE: Speaking and Listening Standards Grades 3, 4, 5: 1.c; Language Standards Grades 3- 12: 6