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Birch Aquarium at Scripps

www.aquarium.ucsd.edu

Organization Type:
Non-Profit

Mission:
To provide ocean science education
To interpret Scripps Institution of Oceanography research
To promote ocean conservation

Contact:
Kristin Evans
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
9500 Gilman Drive
La Jolla, CA 92093-0207
Phone: (858) 534-FISH
Fax: (858) 534-5610
aquariuminfo@ucsd.edu

Geographical Focus:
Local, Regional, State, National

Counties Served:
All

Activities:
Research, Education, Conservation, Tourism, Recreation

Topic:
Bay & Estuary Habitats, Beaches, Coastal Processes, Cultural History, Endangered Species, Fisheries, Habitat Restoration, Kelp Forest, Open Ocean/Oceanography, Rocky Intertidal, Wildlife

Educational Resources:
Curriculum, Activity/Learning Kit, Posters, Outreach Programs, On-Site Programs, Guided Walks, Field Trips, Publications, Newsletter, Brochures, Guidebooks, Exhibits/Displays, Website

Speaker/Lecture Series:
Jeffery B. Graham Perspectives on Ocean Science Lecture Series
2nd Monday of every month. Scripps researchers present 45-50 minute lecture/discussion on their research. Open to members and public.
6:30-8:00 PM (lectures begin at 7PM)

Education Programs:

School Programs
•  Discovery Labs: on-site, classroom exploratory learning experiences, preK-12. Hour long.
•  Aquarium Guided Explorations: on-site, exhibit-based investigations K-6. Hour long .
•  Self Guided Tours: on-site self-guided exploration of exhibits. preK- adult.
•  Outreach: off-site, classroom exploratory learning experiences, preK-12. Hour long.
•  Beach Teach: off-site, field-based discovery and investigation program. K-12. 2 hour long.
•  National Ocean Sciences Bowl Regional Competition: High school ocean science competition. Grades 9-12. February.

Public Programs
•  Field Adventures: kayaking, snorkeling, tidepooling, grunion runs, SIO pier walks. Ages vary, seasonal.
•  Special Events: Haunted Aquarium, Eggstravaganza, Wyland Day, Shark Summer and more. All ages, seasonal.
•  A, B, Sea Club: Early childhood ocean learning programs. 0-24 mos. with parent. Hour long.
•  Summer Learning Adventures Camp: Ocean-based summer classes, on-site and field based. preK-9. Mid June-Aug.
•  Overnights: Family and group sleepover program. Ages 4+. Seasonal
•  Family Days: Science discovery for the whole family. Every 3rd Saturday. Free with admission. All ages.
•  Birthday Parties: Sharks, Tide pools and more. Ages 3+. Weekends, year round.
•  Whale Watching Cruises and Baja Trips: Day cruises on the SD Bay and weekend trips to Baja lagoons. Seasonal. All ages for day trips. Ages vary for weekend trips. Seasonal.

For more information www.aquarium.ucsd.edu

Target Audiences:
PreK-12, Adults, Teachers, Non-Formal Educators, General Public

Group Size Accommodated:
Up to 100

Other Languages:
Many education staff are bilingual in Spanish.

In-Service Training:
Teachers, Docents/Volunteers, General Public:
MARE Teacher Professional Development Workshops and Public Lectures

Volunteer Opportunities

  Program:
General Volunteers
Docent Ambassadors
  Description:
Aquarist support, Education assistant, Special Event support, Exhibit interpretation, Administrative assistant, Front line greeter
  When Needed:
All year
  Qualifications:
Must be at least 16 years old. Visit www.aquarium.ucsd.edu for more information.
  Commitment Required:
At least 6 months, 4 shifts (4 hours) per month. Visit www.aquarium.ucsd.edu for more information.
  Application/Training:
Visit www.aquarium.ucsd.edu for details.
  Community Service Documentation:
Yes
  Contact:
Terri Brookhart, Volunteer Manager
volunteers@siomail.ucsd.edu


Internship Opportunities

  Program:
Summer Youth Interns (High School)
Summer Learning Adventures Camp Interns (High School and College)
  Description:
Summer Youth Interns: Meet & Greet summer visitors, Interpret exhibits (including live animal touch experiences), assist with special summer events and assist volunteer department.
Summer Learning Adventures Camp Interns: assist Summer instructors with daily and week long summer classes. Assist with instruction, preparation, water activities and live animal interactions.
  When Needed:
Summer Season
  Qualifications:
At least 16 years old. See www.aquarium.ucsd.edu for more specific information.
  Application:
See www.aquarium.ucsd.edu for information.
  Number of Interns:
See www.aquarium.ucsd.edu for more information
  Housing Provided:
No
  Paid:
No
  Credit:
Yes


Service Fee:
See www.aquarium.ucsd.edu for more information

General Services:
Restrooms, Bookstore/Gift Shop, Telephone

Parking Availability:
Free for the first 3 hours. Lot located next to aquarium.

Disabled Access:
Amenities (restrooms, drinking fountains, entry ways and walkways) are ADA compliant. Exhibits are accessible




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