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Aquatic Ecosystems Outreach Programs

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Bring the fun, diversity and richness of the aquatic environment to your students by providing hands-on opportunities to explore living things and ecosystems as profiled in the Life Sciences sections of the California State Science Framework. These programs are supported by a grant from the Bureau of Reclamation.Please refer to the school program reservations and policies before booking a program or tour.

Living In Water - (2nd/3rd grades)

Explore freshwater habitats through overhead transparencies and directed classroom discussion. In smaller groups, students use a hands-on lab approach to visit several stations and examine live specimens in aquaria and under microscopes. This multi-media approach encourages curiosity and motivates students to participate in scientific investigations.

• Site: In your classroom
• Length: 75 minutes
• Fee: $150 for one class, $230 for two classes, $310 for three sequentially*
• Size: Up to 34 students; add $3/additional student; maximum 40 students

Underwater Interactions - (4th grade)

Students explore the roles and relationships of both large and microscopic aquatic organisms in their environment. A slide program introduces ecosystem interactions and a hands-on multi-station lab highlights the concepts of adaptation, food webs and energy cycling.

• Site: In your classroom
• Length: 75 minutes
• Fee: $150 for one class, $230 for two classes, $310 for three sequentially*
• Size: Up to 34 students; add $3/additional student; maximum 40 students

Aquatic Invertebrates - (5th/6th grades)

Explore the major role that aquatic invertebrates play in the ecology of wetland communities. A slide presentation shows the diverse array of pond and river invertebrates and focuses on their shapes, structure and adaptations. The multi-station, hands-on lab builds on concepts and facilitates critical thinking through observation and kinesthetic activities.

• Site: In your classroom
• Length: 75 minutes
• Fee: $150 for one, $230 for two, $310 for three sequentially*

Size: Up to 34 students; add $3/additional student; max. 40 students

Dipping into Creeks in the Classroom - (2nd/4th grades)

The focus of this program is developing awareness and understanding of community creeks as part of a larger watershed system, providing habitat for wildlife and recreation for people. A slide show presentation, creek habitat costume and ecology stations reinforce life cycles and adaptations of creek organisms as well as their interactions within a healthy creek environment.

• Site: In your classroom
• Length: 75 minutes
• Fee: $150 for one, $230 for two, $310 for three sequentially*
• Size: Up to 34 students; add $3/additional student; maximum 40 students

*Sequentially means 2-3 classes at the same location on the same day