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Students in a lab watch a large monitor displaying a live macro feed of a green abalone and purple sea urchins from the aquarium tank below

Grades 3–5 Ocean Connection Lab

When

Tues. (Kelp Forest Connections) and Fri. (Intertidal Survival)

Length

1 hour

Location

Bechtel Education Center Learning Labs

Grades

3–5

Fees

Free

Labs are staff-led, hands-on experiences focusing on a marine or conservation topic. Each program lasts 60 minutes and supports Next Generation Science Standards. Programs include an opportunity for students to observe live marine invertebrates, use technology and engage in science conversations. The program includes self-guided time at the Aquarium.

Program schedule

To guarantee a seamless experience please plan travel time accordingly. If you arrive after your designated arrival time, we may not be able to accommodate your students. Please only book the early time slot if you are close or can guarantee you will arrive on time. 

60 minutes + self-guided time

9:15 a.m. program
9 a.m. arrival at Bechtel Education Center
9:15–10:15 a.m. program
11:30 a.m. lunch in Aquarium picnic area

10:45 a.m. program
10:30 a.m. arrival at Bechtel Education Center
10:45–11:45 a.m. program
12 p.m. lunch in Aquarium picnic area

Group information

Minimum 15 students, maximum 120 students

  • Maximum of 5 adults, including teachers, per 30 students are allowed in each classroom. Extra adults may meet the group after the program ends.
  • A maximum of three consecutive grade levels, 3-5th grade, can be accommodated in one Bechtel Education Center Learning Lab.
  • Siblings not enrolled in the class with the reservation are not allowed to participate in the program.

Program topics

Offered Tuesdays: Kelp Forest Connections

Students will conduct close observations of the kelp forest habitat through hands-on activities using technology and models. Students will look for evidence and develop a food web to describe the movement of energy among plants, animals and the environment in the kelp forest. 

Offered Fridays: Intertidal Survival

What helps an animal survive at the rough and turbulent rocky shore? Close observations and hands-on explorations help students understand how animals are adapted to survive in this challenging habitat. Students will learn about the structures of a specific animal, and how each of those structures functions to help the animal survive in the rocky intertidal. Recommended for 3rd and 4th grades. 

Next Generation Science Standards

  • Science and Engineering Practices
    • Arguing from Evidence
  • Disciplinary Core Ideas
    • Supports PE 4-LS1-1
    • Relates to PE 3-LS4-3
  • Crosscutting Concepts
    • Structure and Function

Booking your field trip

  • Select Book your field trip on our field trips webpage.
  • Create an account or log into an existing account.
  • Enter your group size and select your grade band to view our availability.
  • Select your preferred program and date from the listed options.
  • Complete the requested information and submit your booking.
  • Visit our Educator account FAQs for more specific information about booking.