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An educator holds a large red fish prop while speaking to a group of seated students who have their hands raised during an aquarium school program

Grades K–2 Tide Talks

When

Tues.–Fri. during school year

Length

25 minutes

Location

Auditorium

Grades

K–2

Fees

Free

These 25-minute programs set the stage for a fun, focused visit! Enjoy the "inside stories" of the Monterey Bay Aquarium starting in the auditorium, where our educators use rich media to prepare your students and chaperones to explore the Aquarium and to provide them with a focus for their visit. Your group will continue to our exhibit areas where students and chaperones use an Aquarium-provided Exploration Booklet filled with activities designed to promote interesting conversations and focused observation at exhibits. The program includes self-guided time at the Aquarium.

Program times and schedule

If you arrive after your designated arrival time, we may not be able to accommodate your students.

25 minutes + self-guided time

9:30 a.m. Program
9:15 a.m. arrival
9:30-9:55 program
11–11:30 a.m. lunch in Aquarium picnic area

10:15 a.m. Program
10 a.m. arrival
10:15–10:40 a.m. program
12:30–1 p.m. lunch in Aquarium picnic area

Group information

Minimum 60 students, maximum 140 students

  • A maximum of three consecutive grade levels, K-2nd grade, can be accommodated in one auditorium program.
  • Siblings not enrolled in the class with the reservation are not allowed to participate in the program.

Program topic

Review the topic below to learn about the subject matter and Next Generation Science Standards for your program.

Busy Sea Otters

In this program, students get the "inside scoop" on sea otters here at the Aquarium! Your trip begins with a 25-minute introduction by an Aquarium educator in our auditorium where you'll peer into the rolling and tumbling world of sea otters and consider their active behavior from a biologist's perspective. Together, we'll discuss what people can do to help keep otters healthy and thriving.

Next Generation Science Standards

  • Science and Engineering Practices
    • Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
  • Disciplinary Core Ideas
    • Supports LS1.A
  • 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.