Education
Outreach Program FAQ
What happens during an outreach program?
When is the best time of year to schedule an outreach program?
Are live animals brought to schools for outreach programs?
What is the process for scheduling an outreach program?
What happens after I register?
In case of last-minute changes, will I be able to change the start time of the program?
What kind of room is needed?
What do I need to provide on the day of the program?
Are preschool students allowed to participate?
Can someone from Shedd come to my family night/science fair/career day/etc.?
What happens during an outreach program?
Shedd has two types of outreach programs – large-group and small-group. Large-group programs (grades K–5) are similar to school assemblies, with many classes participating together. Small-group programs (grades K–2 only) are shorter experiences meant for one or two classes at a time. In either case, education staff members from Shedd lead your students through a series of activities and experiences to engage them on multiple levels. Video footage, computer simulations, physical props and specimens connect students to animals and the environment.
When is the best time of year to schedule an outreach program?
March, April and May are very busy. Consider bringing Shedd to your school in the fall or winter months. Regardless of the time of year that you choose, select two or three alternate dates in case your first choice is unavailable. You can enter three dates, in order of preference, on your reservation form.
Are live animals brought to schools for outreach programs?
While every program gives students information about Shedd’s animals, not every program involves the use of live animals. Schools registering for a large-group program can add an animal extension. In this case, Shedd educators visit individual classrooms with a live animal. These experiences incorporate concepts and skills learned in the large-group program to help students observe and understand a unique animal visitor.
What is the process for scheduling an outreach program?
Registration for the 2012-2013 school year is open. Request a reservation online or download a printable form and mail or fax it to us. A representative from our guest services department will contact you via mail to confirm your requested dates.
What happens after I register?
The group sales office at Shedd will try to schedule a program for your first chosen date. If that date is not available, they will move to your second or third choice. You will receive a confirmation letter informing you of the program date, a start time for each program and the program fees (plus mileage fees, if applicable). An education staff member will also contact you by phone to confirm these details.
In case of last-minute changes, will I be able to change the start time of the program?
In most cases, we are happy to adjust the start time of programs to accommodate your school’s schedule. Keep in mind, however, that travel considerations can affect our ability to do this. Please call 312-692-3166 to request changes.
What kind of room is needed?
Shedd’s outreach programs are very interactive, which means they require a larger presentation space than a typical classroom. A gymnasium or auditorium works best for large-group programs. For small-group programs, a gymnasium or auditorium is still a good choice, but a multipurpose room, cafeteria, or vacant classroom may also work. For either type of program, the ceiling in the presentation room must be at least 10 feet high. Shedd educators must have access to the room for at least an hour before the start of the first program.
What do I need to provide on the day of the program?
Shedd’s educators will arrive with their own audiovisual equipment, including projector, screen, microphones and public address system. You will only need to provide an electrical outlet somewhere in the room. If you wish, you can provide chairs for students and teachers, but the programs work just as well with students seated on the floor.
Are preschool students allowed to participate?
Shedd’s outreach programs have been carefully planned to both challenge and appeal to students from kindergarten through fifth grade. To ensure that our programs are high quality and effective, we cannot schedule outreach programs for an audience consisting entirely of prekindergarten children. Some schools do choose to allow pre-K groups to sit in on programs being presented to older classes. This is at the school’s discretion.
Can someone from Shedd come to my family night/science fair/career day/etc.?
Due to the high volume of requests we receive, Shedd cannot send staff members or offer customized programming for special events at schools. We do have multiple resources available for students interested in careers in marine science. Call 312-692-3166 for more information.
