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A view of the modern Bechtel Center from across the street corner on a foggy day

Grades 9–12 Ocean Connection Lab

When

Wednesday during school year

Length

1 hour

Location

Bechtel Education Center Learning Labs

Grades

9–12

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 times and 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

Getting to the Bechtel Education Center 

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, 9-12th 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 topic

Oasis in the deep sea

The deep sea represents almost 95 percent of Earth’s livable habitat! Without sunlight and photosynthesis, how do animals survive in this extreme environment? Focusing on recent deep-sea discoveries, students will investigate the phenomena of whalefalls and community succession through hands-on interactions with artifacts, models, and technology. They'll explore astounding adaptations that enable elaborate communities of organisms to make the most of this unique place on our planet and begin to think about how this barely explored system is deeply connected to global systems we all depend on.

Next Generation Science Standards

  • Science and Engineering Practices
    • Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
  • Disciplinary Core Ideas
    • LS2.B: Cycles of Matter and Energy Transfer in Ecosystems
  • Crosscutting Concepts
    • Structure and Function
    • Energy and Matter

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.