Birch Aquarium
We connect your students to our ocean planet through your favorite Birch Aquarium programs- now in a virtual format. Students can meet and observe organisms, explore and analyze data about changing conditions in ocean habitats, or ask questions about aquarium careers and current conservation issues. Our programs are aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards.
MARINE SCIENCE, HABITATS, AQUARIUMS
Animal Encounters: Rocky Seashore
Grades: Pre-K, ES, MS, HS
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Phone:
(858) 534-7336
Meet three animals that make the tide pools their home. Students practice their observation skills and learn about animal adaptations and how those structures and behaviors help them survive in their habitat. (Animal availability varies and may include organisms such as: hermit crab, shore crab, sea anemone, sea cucumber, turban snail, and two-spot octopus.)
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Virtual Field Trips Page
Animal Encounters: Kelp Forest
Grades: Pre-K, ES, MS, HS
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Contact:
Phone:
(858) 534-7336
Observe three animals that make the kelp forest their home. Learn about their adaptations and how those structures and behaviors help them survive in their habitat. (Animal availability varies and may include organisms such as brittle stars, sea urchin, whelk, crab, horn or swell shark, etc.)
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Virtual Field Trips Page
Ask a Naturalist: Aquarium 101
Grades: K-2
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Contact:
Phone:
(858) 534-7336
What is the biggest animal at the aquarium? Which animal moves the fastest? What is it like to work at an aquarium? During this question and answer session, students have the opportunity to ask an aquarium educator about our animals and aquarium careers. Teachers will have the opportunity to submit questions ahead of time.
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Virtual Field Trips Page
Ask a Naturalist: Stories Behind the Scenes
Grades: MS, HS
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Contact:
Phone:
(858) 534-7336
During this question and answer session, engage with an aquarium naturalist to learn about animal husbandry and careers at the aquarium. Students dive deeper into our work and can ask their questions about our coral propagation, seahorse and seadragon breeding, and Research in Action projects during this program.
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Virtual Field Trips Page
Ask a Naturalist: Protecting Our Ocean Planet
Grades: MS, HS
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Contact:
Phone:
(858) 534-7336
How do humans impact our ocean planet and how can we help? This program is your opportunity to ask our aquarium naturalists your questions about climate change, ocean acidification, and plastic pollution and learn about ways we can work together to help solve these challenges.
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Virtual Field Trips Page
Sensational Sharks
Grades: 4
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Contact:
Phone:
(858) 534-7336
Discover the body structures that have helped sharks thrive in the ocean for millions of years. Students will explore data from local scientists to understand how these adaptations can impact shark behavior.
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Virtual Field Trips Page
Shark Science
Grades: 6,7
Website:
Contact:
Phone:
(858) 534-7336
For over 50 years, San Diego locals have observed the phenomenon of large numbers of leopard sharks gathering off of La Jolla. Students become scientists, as they explore this phenomenon and understand why sharks are our yearly visitors.
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Virtual Field Trips Page