K-12 Programs

Aquarium of the Bay’s eLearning modules are interactive online tools to help students learn about Climate Resilience and Ocean Conservation. This program is geared to meet Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for students in grades 7-12. Ranging from $5-$50, the cost per students for these fee-based modules drop in price as the number of students increases.

• The Bioacoustics Program focuses on marine animal communication and behavior in relation to complex ecosystems within the Bay.
• Recommended for Grades 7-9

• The Environmental Justice program focuses on the Hunter’s Point / Bayview area in San Francisco and the story of the effects of radioactive waste on the community. It also ties in similar instances of pollution sites and their connection to systemic inequality around the United States.
• Recommended for Grades 9-12

If your group has a limited amount of time to be at Aquarium of the Bay, then these flexible tours can give your group an awe-inspiring look at life in San Francisco Bay.

Program Fee: Free for TK-12 schools found in the nine (9) Bay Area Counties: San Francisco, Marin, Sonoma, Napa, Solano, Contra Costa, Alameda, Santa Clara, and San Mateo. School location will be verified before final confirmation is sent.

Program Length: Approximately 45 minutes – 1 hour

Days Offered: Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays (based on availability)

Time Offered: Every 20 minutes between 10:40 am and 2:00 pm (based on availability and season)

Number of Participants: Limit of 42 participants, both Students and Adults per tour time slot.

• Note: one (1) adult chaperone to five (5) students is gifted free admission. Every additional chaperone is REQUIRED to PAY for a reduced entrance fee.
• Groups larger than 45 participants MUST submit separate Reservation Forms. If you submit a form with more than 45 people, we will contact you. While we will work with you to try to find a good alternative, we are not able to guarantee that the groups will be coming into the building right after each other.

Group Arrivals: The group is NOT able to gather around the Front Entrance of the Aquarium. We ask that only 1 person check the group check in and be prepared to finalize any balance that is still on the Order, if it has not been done before. The group will only be admitted at the proper arrival time.

Late Arrivals: Groups that arrive more than 10 minutes late will only be permitted entrance based on availability. In the Spring, we are less flexible if the group is late. If no time slots remain for the day, your group may need to reschedule.

Please Note:

• Aquarium of the Bay offers a special self-guided tour rate ONLY for Bay Area K-12 school groups. We have worked with many schools for years, and any new schools will be verified.
• All reservations will be sent an invoice based on the number of individuals the group stated will come. It is sent as an attachment along with a Behavior Agreement and a Chaperone Guide. Any monies due must be taken care of PRIOR to arrival at the Aquarium. Let us know about any changes to your group size.
• For non-Bay Area schools, youth groups, after-school programs, day care and PreK groups, please contact the Group Sales Department at [email protected] or 415-623-5326

Aquarium Classroom Programs offer your students a classroom experience by the Bay. These programs are coupled with a optional self-guided tour of Aquarium of the Bay to extend your students’ learning experience.

Program Length: 2.5 hours (includes self-guided Aquarium tour)

Days Offered: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays

Time Offered: 10:15am

Number of Participants: Limit of 42 participants per program

Note: Groups bringing two (2) groups will still be able to start and complete the program in the same amount of time. Must register at least 4 weeks in advance. Payment due date is based on the scheduled program date.

The 3D Printing Lab enables the students to learn a bit about the history of 3D printing and its applications while preparing Braile learning plates that will be used to benefit our visually impaired community.

Project WATERS (Watershed and Trout Education for Regional Stewardship) is an exciting program where teachers and students engage in an amazing educational experience, gaining a greater appreciation and understanding of local aquatic ecosystems. The core of this program is California Department of Fish and Wildlife Trout in the Classroom program, in which classes host and raise young rainbow trout in their classroom.

While this program is in conjunction with California Department of Fish and Wildlife and there are similar programs in the surrounding counties, Project WATERS is ONLY available for classes in San Francisco.

If you are interested in apply to participate in Project WATERS or just want more information please contact the Education Department at:

• [email protected]