Thousands of learners visit the Aquarium each year. Here are a few tools that teachers and parents can use to plan a smooth and educational experience for all ages.
This 4-page PDF document describes what experiences are available for school groups at Great Lakes Aquarium, including pricing, sample schedules, class offerings, and registration information.
This 10-page PDF includes all the information you’ll need to plan your trip, including an overview of what to expect when you arrive, directions to the Aquarium, name tag templates, chaperone expectations, and a planning checklist for teachers.
Scavenger Hunts, Worksheets, and Other Exhibit Exploration Tools
We have lots of ideas for how to make your small group exhibit exploration time focused and fun!
The Monnie Goldfine Teacher Resource Center has downloadable curriculum, teaching kits, equipment, props, and media for you to borrow for free. Explore ideas for using these kits during your Aquarium field trip.
Prepare chaperones ahead of time with information and expectations. Chaperone engagement can make or break an Aquarium visit. School chaperones will be offered a Chaperone Guide and Map when they arrive at the Aquarium. It contains prompts and questions to help them feel confident as a small group leader.
We look forward to welcoming your group! For more ideas and to help you meet your goals, contact us at education@glaquarium.org or (218) 740 – 2000.
You may also choose to print and provide one of these tools for your students:
Great Lakes Aquarium Social Narrative: Created in collaboration with the Autism Society of Minnesota (AuSM), this guide helps visitors reduce their anxiety about new experiences by explaining what to expect step-by-step as they explore the Aquarium.
Other Learning Resources
The Monnie Goldfine Teacher Resource Center at Great Lakes Aquarium has downloadable curricula, teaching kits, equipment, props, and media for you to borrow for free. These kits also make great additions to Aquarium field trips as teacher-facilitated stations on the exhibit floor or as pre- and post-field trip lessons.
Looking for other ways to extend your Aquarium learning experience? Engage your students in a citizen science project or use these age-appropriate activity ideas to prepare for or reflect on your visit to the Aquarium.
Stay connected to the Aquarium with a virtual field trip!
Field Trip Funding
We believe that every student should have the opportunity to explore outside the classroom. These tools can help make that dream a reality:
Great Lakes Aquarium Bus Fund – Learn more about grants to defray transportation costs for visits to the Aquarium.
Donors Choose – Online fundraising for classroom projects in public schools nationwide.