Birch Aquarium's School Programs

Registration for Birch Aquarium’s 2008-2009 School Programs begins August 18, 2008.

Dear Educators:

Birch Aquarium at Scripps is excited to offer you dynamic, inquiry-based, science education programs for 2008-2009. In developing and offering our programs, we infuse each experience with our three-level mission: to provide ocean science education, to interpret Scripps Institution of Oceanography science, and to promote ocean conservation.

We are proud to offer a diverse selection of programs to meet your desired learning experience. On-site classes include single-subject Discovery Labs that explore science topics in traditional classroom settings. In a more free-form class, our Aquarium Exploration instructors lead students to experience aquarium exhibits and conduct activities outside. If you prefer to explore the aquarium on your own, visit the Hall of Fishes, Tide Pool Plaza or Scripps Explorers Gallery with the Self-Guided Program.

We know that today’s budgets don’t always allow travel, so we have expanded educational programs with off-site Aquarium Express programs. In addition to classroom-based Discovery Labs taken on the road, we can modify programs for your school’s science days or fairs, for library presentations, or after-school activities. The Beach Teach program meets at Kellogg Park in La Jolla to explore beach ecology and local tide pools.

We are also pleased to provide material support on the aquarium’s website. Looking for additional animal information? Suggestions for a self-guided tour or student worksheet? Pre- or post-assessments for student learning? Log on and search under “Teacher Resources” for materials.

Explore the award-winning exhibit Feeling the Heat: The Climate Challenge. Unique to Southern California and highlighting ongoing research at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, the exhibit offers students a chance to learn the science behind global warming and what society and individuals must do to slow down its effects.

We look forward to serving you and sharing the science of our oceans and earth.

Sincerely,

Kristin Evans
Education Manager

All programs are aligned with California State and National Science Standards.