Although the Aquarium is closed to the public for the time being as of December 6, 2020, it continues to offer its Online Academy and has new virtual events for everyone. Below is a list of the Aquarium of the Pacific’s upcoming virtual programming. The Aquarium is asking the public to lend their support to help the nonprofit institution survive and recover from the impacts of the closure. Donations and purchases are needed to help the Aquarium continue its ocean conservation and education efforts and to provide top-quality care for its 12,000 animals. The list below includes both free and fee-based virtual programs.
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
9:00 a.m.-9:30 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Pacific Time
Aquarium Online Academy Classes for Kids
Children of all ages are invited to enjoy live educational programming taught by Aquarium of the Pacific educators. Geared for all grade levels, from preK to twelfth grades, these live classes are offered weekdays at 9:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. Topics for younger children introduce basic ocean and animal concepts, while older children can explore topics in marine biology, environmental science, and conservation. No sign-ups are required, and participation is free. Classes will be offered in Spanish on Wednesdays at 10:00 a.m. in January.
Cost: FREE, no RSVP required
Location: Aquarium of the Pacific’s website
English: aquariumofpacific.org/education/aquariumacademy
Spanish: aquariumofpacific.org/espanol/visita/acuario_lanza_la_academia_en_linea
Info: (562) 590-3100 or the above two webpages.
Saturdays, January 9 and 16, 2021
1:30 p.m.-2:15 p.m. Pacific Time
Virtual Tour of the Northern Pacific Gallery
The Aquarium presents a virtual tour of the Northern Pacific Gallery allowing viewers to explore the gallery from the comfort of their own homes. Participants will get a chance to learn more about their favorite cold water animals and even peek at the behind-the-scenes area of the Aquarium’s Sea Otter Habitat. Viewers will also meet staff members from the Aquarium’s animal care team and be able to ask these experts questions. Registration in advance is required.Cost: $10 per household
Location: Aquarium of the Pacific’s website: aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/virtual_tour_of_the_northern_pacific_gallery/
Info: (562) 590-3100 or the above webpage.
Sundays, January 10 and 17, 2021
12:45 p.m.-1:30 p.m. Pacific Time
Virtual Tour of the Tropical Pacific Gallery
Dive into colorful coral reefs as you take a guided virtual tour of the Aquarium of the Pacific’s Tropical Pacific Gallery and see its newest exhibit Coral Reefs: Nature’s Underwater Cities. Hear from the Aquarium’s animal experts, ask questions, and see Sula, a red-footed booby (sea bird), fly through the Tropical Tunnel. Registration in advance is required.
Cost: $10 per household
Location: Aquarium of the Pacific’s website: https://www.aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/tropical_pacific_gallery_virtual_tour/
Info/RSVP: (562) 590-3100 or the above webpage.
Thursdays, January 14 and January 21, 2021 / February 17 and 24, 2021
4:30 p.m.-5:45 p.m. Pacific Time
Boy Scout Oceanography Merit Badge Program
Have you ever wondered how scientists study the ocean? Participants can learn about the field of oceanography in an interactive two-part virtual series designed for Boy Scouts working toward their Oceanography Merit Badge. This Aquarium educator-led program explores the physical, chemical, biological, and geological aspects of oceanography using real-time datasets, activities, engaging media, and peer discussions. Scouts will also be given at-home resources and activities to continue exploring beyond the class. Please note: The Aquarium of the Pacific does not provide merit badges. A certificate listing requirements completed during the program will be provided. Boy Scouts should provide the certificate to a Scout Master, who can then issue individual badges.
Cost: $40 per person, $35 per Aquarium member
Location: Aquarium of the Pacific’s website: aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/boy_scout_oceanography_merit_badge/
Info: (562) 590-3100 or the above webpage.
Saturday, January 30, 2021
10:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Pacific Time
Virtual Festival of Human Abilities
The Aquarium of the Pacific invites everyone to its 18th annual Festival of Human Abilities, a celebration highlighting the creative talents and abilities of people with disabilities. This year the event will be a virtual online festival, streaming live from the Aquarium of the Pacific. This virtual festival will celebrate the creative spirit of people with disabilities, including dancers, musicians, and artists. The Aquarium will present the Glenn McIntyre Heritage Award to Infinite Flow Dance at 3:15 p.m. Pacific Time.
Cost: FREE, no RSVP required
Location: Aquarium of the Pacific’s website: https://www.aquariumofpacific.org/events/info/festival_of_human_abilities/
Info: (562) 590-3100 or the above webpage.
Ongoing free educational resources available on demand include:
Live webcams: aquariumofpacific.org/exhibits/webcams
YouTube videos of classes for kids and adults, Pacific Pals puppet videos, and more: youtube.com/aquariumofthepacific
Academia en Línea (classes for kids in Spanish): aquariumofpacific.org/espanol/visita/acuario_lanza_la_academia_en_linea
Credit: The Aquarium of the Pacific.
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