Ocean Connection NEW! Debuts Jan 2008
Keep your future scientists up-to-date on the latest discoveries in the climate challenge facing us today. Through a series of mini-experiments, students will unravel the critical connection between Earth's oceans and climate and what happens when the delicate balance is disrupted.
Fish Lab 
From the outside-in, students will examine how fish are adapted to their marine environments. Dissection of a Pacific mackerel will provide in-depth investigation into the unique anatomy of fish.
Fish Printing
Discover the wonders of science through art investigation. Students will create colorful fish prints using real and rubber fish, while learning about the basic body parts and features of fish. All materials will be supplied.
Squid Dissection
Investigate the wild world of cephalopods by performing a squid dissection. Students will explore how squid move, eat and protect themselves as well as practice important dissection skills.
Hanging By A Thread
Is it true what they say about safety in numbers? Discover the rich diversity of animals that make their home in the mussel clumps of the rocky shore. By dissecting a mussel clump, students will learn about the major invertebrate phyla in the ocean, how these animals are classified based on their unique characteristics and how they depend on one another for survival.
Science Of The Sea
So you want to be an oceanographer? Find out if you re made of the right stuff by performing experiments similar to those oceanographers conduct everyday. Students will explore the physics of the sea, sampling and exploration techniques as well as possible careers in this exciting field.
Climate Challenge NEW! Debuts Jan 2008
It's an undisputed fact: climate change is happening NOW. Step up to the challenging task of not only investigating the major causes of climate change, but grappling with solutions to slow these changes. Students will engage in hands-on activities as well as friendly debates as they explore the challenges scientists, policy makers and individuals face when addressing this important issue.
Self-Guided Visit
Discover an ocean full of adventure at Birch Aquarium. Lead your classes along the Pacific coast as they explore the exhibits of cool northern waters all the way down to tropical coral reefs in Baja, Mexico. Make sure to stop by our tide-pool plaza, the outdoor shark display and our Wonders of Water and Feeling the Heat: The Climate Challenge exhibits.
Beach Teach
Explore the Ecological Preserve of La Jolla Shores beach in this fun, hands-on field science program. Each program is customized based on tide and weather conditions, and student grade level.
Choose from:
BEACH INVESTIGATION
Using clues found right under their toes, students will learn about the life surrounding the sandy beach. Participants will dig in the sand to understand how animals use their adaptations to survive this changing environment. They will also learn about the local kelp forests and its residents and explore how sand is made, what it is made of and how it gets to our beaches.
ZONATION STATION (subject to tides)
Animals will create homes on any surface that is available. Students will visit Scripps pier pilings to learn how zonation on a pier piling is similar to tide pools. Meet mussels, anemones, snails and crabs and discover how they have made a home together.
TIDEPOOLING (subject to tides)
Life in the tide pools is no day at the beach! Students will learn about life on the rocky shore and the special adaptations needed to survive in this harsh environment. They ll also take a sneak peak at how animals move, camouflage, find food and hold on in the tide pools.
