Lab Classes

• Include a lab program led by an Aquarium educator
• Program specific activity sheets are provided for self-guided Aquarium exploration
• Aquarium admission included
• Outdoor portions run rain or shine

$15 per student

• School staff chaperones are free
• Parent chaperones are $15
• 1 chaperone is required for every 10 students, parent chaperones are free if needed to meet this ratio
• Final headcount and cost are calculated on the day of the trip
• Credit card, check, cash or invoice/purchase order options available

Please Note: These rates are only available for guided field trips scheduled in advance. Walk-in groups will be charged general admission rates and allowed entry pending Aquarium capacity.

• Available Monday – Friday
• 10am–4pm; first come, first served
• Use the ‘Book Now’ button on webpage to fill out a reservation request form
• Your trip is officially booked when you receive a reservation confirmation sheet from the Aquarium team

Email: education@greaterclevelandaquarium.com

Phone: 216.862.8803 x 7715

[Grades 8 – 12] 
Are arms and tentacles the same? Where do squids keep their pen and their ink? Find out in a hands-on squid dissection lab. An Aquarium educator guides students step by step as they discover the unique adaptations and anatomy of squid.  (30-45min)

Then dive into the fascinating world of invertebrates in a self-guided exploration of the Aquarium. Activity sheets prompt students to explore classification, anatomy and adaptations of jellies, snails, shrimp, octopus and other animals. (45-60min)

[Grades 9-12] 
Discover the rich history of the Cuyahoga River and its amazing journey from environmental disaster to recovery. Make observations, run experiments with river monitoring kits and determine the current quality of the water. Environmental stewardship is a keystone theme; students reflect on the inextricable connection between human actions and environmental health. (60-75min)

While exploring Aquarium galleries, students discover how water quality plays an essential role in aquatic habitats and Aquarium operations. Activity sheets enhance this self-guided portion. (45-60min)

[Grades 3 – 12] 
Situated next to the Cuyahoga River and close to Lake Erie, Greater Cleveland Aquarium’s property can play host an interesting variety of bird species. Join an Aquarium educator to find as many birds as possible and contribute to citizen science as we log the data in real-time using the eBird app. Learn about different bird adaptations before searching for them in the field. The Aquarium provides binoculars and a guide to common birds in the area. (45-60min)

Then self-guide through the Aquarium galleries. Activity sheets accompany exploration as students look for tropical birds and compare bird adaptations to other animals. (45-60min)

If my class size is larger than 20 students, what are my options? 

For Squid Dissection and Urban Birding, it is possible to set up a rotational schedule in which 20 students do the lab while another 20 students self-guide. We could accommodate a maximum of 40 students in one day.

With Water Quality Lab, a rotational schedule is not an option, and larger groups must be scheduled for separate days.

What if it rains? 

Urban Birding and Water Quality Lab have outdoor components. All programs will run rain or shine, so it is recommended that students wear weather appropriate clothes such as, jackets or sweatshirts, as well as closed-toed shoes.  If it is storming, we will alter the program.

For more FAQs about lunch space, arrival, bus parking, and more, visit our field trips page here.