On Wednesday, February 21st, Mrs. Hyde’s English IV class visited the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago IL. The class was able to see many animals but there was so much that they missed with their quick visit. The Shedd Aquarium has many animals and creatures for you to see including: Sea Otters, Sharks, Turtles, Beluga Whales, Dolphins, Penguins, Seahorses, Corals, Stingray, Sea Lions, Octopus, and Crustaceans. The English did not get to all of the animals but they saw quite a few, including the beluga whales, sea otters, sea lions and the dolphins.
Not only can you see many animal life at the Shedd, there is also many Exhibits you can enjoy including:
The Plankton Revealed: “Microscopic but mighty, tiny plants and animals, called plankton, are a nutrient-rich food source that many species throughout the aquarium need to grow and thrive. Looking up from the bottom of the food chain, unpack the importance of plankton, peek in at the nursery and discover how growing plankton advances conservation and sustainability.”
The Abbott Oceanarium: “The Abbott Oceanarium immerses you in the vibrant coastal ecosystem of the Pacific Northwest. As you stroll along the coast, encounter beluga whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, sea lions and sea otters. You’ll also find colorful creatures that make their home where freshwater flows into the ocean, or where tides turn seascapes to landscapes and back again each day.”
The Wild Reef: “Sharks glide by and corals grow in Wild Reef, an immersive and exciting exhibit that takes you through the many sides of a coral reef. From big sharks to tiny mandarin dragonets, Wild Reef is a world filled with color and movement, waiting to be explored.”
At Home on the Great Lakes: “From sand dunes to shorelines views, the Great Lakes are among the world’s most precious natural resources. More than 3,500 plant and animal species—some found nowhere else on the planet—also call the region home” You can actually touch a Sturgeon in this Exhibit!
Stingray Touch (seasonal): “Connect with animals in a one-of-a-kind, hands-on experience. Stingray Touch gives you the unique chance to get even closer to animals and nature, by feeling the tropical water and the back of a stingray. These fascinating fish glide around the habitat, flapping against each other and your fingers”
Not only did the PHS English IV class visit the aquarium, the also visited the Field Museum and the Science and Technology Institute that are equally fascinating. If you are even in Chicago you should definitely make this one of you stops!
