3rd Grade Field Trip to the Aquarium of the Pacific

Daniela Cupples

Table of Contents
Field trip report ................................................................................................................................................................... 3-5
Group box lunch order form ................................................................................................................................................... 6
District and school required documents ............................................................................................................................7-11
Field trip request form ............................................................................................................................................................ 7
Field trip check list .............................................................................................................................................................. 8
FIELD TRIP/EXCLUSION WAIVER & MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION FOR MINOR ................................................................ 9-10
BUS REQUEST ................................................................................................................................................................... 11
Field trip student activity packet .................................................................................................................................... 12-25
Field trip chaperone packet ............................................................................................................................................ 26-29
Field trip project rubric ........................................................................................................................................................ 30
References ............................................................................................................................................................................ 31

Field Trip Report

1.

Directions to the field trip site.

The Aquarium of the Pacific is located on 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 9080. The facility is accessible from all
major freeways. From the 5, 91, 60, 105, or 405 freeways you can connect to the 710 freeway South. The 710 will
end and become Shoreline Drive. Proceed in the middle lane and continue straight on Shoreline Drive and make a
right on Aquarium Way. You will find the Aquarium on your left and the Queensway Bay parking structure on your
right.

2. Schedule of days open and times. Best time of year to visit this location.
The Aquarium is open daily from 9:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. every day of the year except Christmas Day, and
during the Grand Prix of Long Beach.
Advance reservations are required for large groups and field trips.
For reservations and further information call 562-590-3100, ext. 0
The best time to visit is during the spring season from February 1 May 31.
3. Obtain all forms needed from the District, including permission slips. (attached)
Required forms:
- FIELD TRIP REQUEST FORM
- FIELD TRIP CHECKLIST
- FIELD TRIP/EXCLUSION WAIVER & MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION FOR MINOR
- BUS REQUEST
4. Cost per child/adult. Any discounts for large groups? Lunch? Water? Gift shop info?
General admission cost to the Aquarium of the Pacific is $29.95 per adult and $17.95 child.
Classroom Field Trip Rates: The Aquarium of the Pacific offers a special rate for school field trips, which
only applies for CA accredited schools and student-teacher groups in conjunction with school curriculum.
The field trip group rate for groups of 10 and more for the fall and summer seasons is $6.00 per person.
For the spring season, February (February 1 May 31) admission is $7.50 per person. The group rate per
person for classroom and theater programs, which include admission to the aquarium, is $10
(spring/summer season) and 11.50 for the spring season.
A sleepover school program (5:00 pm - 7:15 am the next morning), with structured activities,
observations, and games is available on Mondays and Wednesdays; the cost is $70 per person, one free
chaperone per 10 students. The sleepover includes dinner, a light snack, cereal breakfast, and a souvenir tshirt.
Lunch the aquarium does not permit visitors to bring in outside food. A picnic area with tables is located
out front in the grass area, snacks and lunches have to be consumed there. The Aquarium offers a special
lunch program for field trips. Lunches are $5.75 per child and $10.25 for adults. Lunch menu choices for

children: 1 slice of pepperoni pizza, hot dog and chips, PB PB&J sandwich, and turkey sandwich the lunch
includes choice of milk or apple juice. Lunch choices for adults include: Classic Chicken Caesar Salad,
Grilled Chicken Wrap Sandwich, Vegetarian Salad, and Scuba Turkey Club Sandwich bottled water is
included with the lunch.
Water drinking fountains are available.
A gift shop is available in the lobby and open during regular business hours. The aquarium also offers
special souvenir gift bags for school field trips, which contain a variety of items, including an aquarium coloring
book, a pencil, fish facts, and fun games. The bags have to be ordered ahead of time and cost $5 per student.
5. What learning expectations do you have for your students? Consider the following:
1. Students complete the activities in their field trip packet.
2. Students participate in a 30-minute guided animal exploration and explore characteristics of the
classroom tide pool animals and even have a chance to touch them.
3. Students will participate in the guided classroom activity Aliens from Inner Space and look at plankton
under a microscope and perform hands-on discovery activities lead by an aquarium educator.
4. Specific activity guides, literature, for students and teachers are available on the Aquarium of the
Pacific Education website and are included in the entrance fee. Lesson plans are also available. I will
use the materials to make a packet for each student.
5. All materials can be graded by the teacher; answers keys are available.
6. Students are encouraged to take notes; their packet has designated areas where students take notes.
7. To make the trip more engaging students will be submitting questions to a marine biologist ahead of
time per email aquariumofpacific@lbaop.org
6. What science standards specifically are met with this field trip experience?
SCIENCE STANDARDS: 3rd grade:
1. Energy and matter have multiple forms and can be changed from one form to another. As a basis for
understanding this concept:
a. Students know energy comes from the Sun to Earth in the form of light.
3. Adaptations in physical structure or behavior may improve an organisms chance for survival. As a basis for
understanding this concept:
a. Students know plants and animals have structures that serve different functions in growth, survival, and
reproduction.
b. Students know examples of diverse life forms in different environments, such as oceans, deserts, tundra,
forests, grasslands, and wetlands.
c. Students know living things cause changes in the environment in which they live: some of these changes are
detrimental to the organism or other organisms, and some are beneficial.
d. Students know when the environment changes, some plants, and animals survive and reproduce; others die
or move to new locations.
NGSS LS3.B: Variation of Traits
Different organisms vary in how they look and function because they have different inherited information. (3LS3-1)


The environment also affects the traits that an organism develops. (3-LS3-2
7. What teacher preparation will be made prior to students taking the trip?
- create a field trip schedule
- create student field trip packet that includes all the activities students will complete on the field trip.
- create chaperone field trip packet
- make copies of packets
- introduce vocabulary for field trip activities
8. What student preparation will be covered prior to the trip?
- students go over field trip rules and expectations
- students complete the field trip vocabulary activity
9. Prepare the students assignment and any related material needed.
- The student assignments are included in the field trip packet, which is attached.
10. Prepare the rubric for the student work assigned. Be sure to be specific
- Field trip packet rubric is attached.
11. Describe how this experience could be integrated with other subject areas. (ex. Social studies,
Language arts, math, etc.)
Language Arts:
1. At the end of the field trip, students write a thank you letter to aquarium educator or the chaperone
assigned to their group.
2. Students write a reflective field trip journal entry where the describe, what they did during the field
trip, their favorite parts of the field trip, new things the learned on the field trip, and things they want
to learn more about.
12. Suggest any artwork that would complement or extend the learning gained from the field trip.
Students complete two crayon rubbings of the exhibit brass plate for their favorite exhibits.
13. List all materials or equipment students or teachers need to bring.
- Student field trip packet for each student
- Chaperone field trip packet for each chaperone.
- First aid kit
- Pencils for each student
- crayons with removed labels
- Emergency contact list

GROUP BOX LUNCH ORDER FORM

Is your group or school planning on having lunch at the Aquarium of the Pacific? Order group
box lunches from the Aquarium and we will deliver then to your designated lunch location and
time. Please make sure to e-mail or fax your order a minimum of one week in advance.
Fax: 562-951-1629 || Email: AquariumofPacific@Lbaop.org
ORDER INFORMATION
Name of School or Group: ______________________________________________________________
Date of Visit: ______________ Order Number: _________________ Lunch Time: __________________
School Address: ______________________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip: _______________________________________________________________________
Contact Person: ______________________________________________________________________
Phone Number: ____________________________

Fax Number: ___________________________

OPTIONS FOR CHILDREN

OPTIONS FOR ADULTS

Slice Pepperoni Pizza

_____ @ $5.75

Slice Cheese Pizza

Classic Chicken Caesar Salad

_____ @ $10.25

_____ @ $5.75

Grilled Chicken Wrap Sandwich

_____ @ $10.25

Hot dog and Chips*

_____ @ $5.75

Vegetarian Salad

_____ @ $10.25

Whole PB&J Sandwich*

_____ @ $5.75

Scuba Turkey Club Sandwich

_____ @ $10.25

Whole Turkey sandwich

*_____ @ $5.75

All Adult Lunches are served with bottled water.

*May sub whole fruit for chips

All Childrens Lunches are served with
pint milk or apple juice box.

Milk Qty ______ Apple Juice Qty ______

Add whole fruit, cookie, or brownie to your lunch $1.75 per

person/per item.

Fruit Qty _____ Cookie Qty ___ Brownie Qty_____

Total # of lunches: __________
Total Cost: _____________________

LUNCH TIME (circle one)

10:45am 11:15am 11:45am 12:15pm 12:45pm 1:15pm

CONTRACT INFORMATION

Lunch orders must be received a minimum of one week in advance of your visit. Any cancellations
and/or changes to your order will be accepted up to three days prior to your group visit. Three
days prior to your group visit, your signed lunch order is considered confirmed and final. On the
day of your visit payment is required for all food items ordered, regardless of your actual group
size. Cancellations made less than 72 hours of your group visit will be responsible for the full
amount of all food items ordered. I have read all the above and agree to the terms of this order.
Contact Signature: _____________________________________________

Date: ________________

Fax or e-mail this order to the Guest Support Center

at 562/ 951-1629 or AquariumofPacific@Lbaop.org

35972 Susan Street Yucaipa, CA 92399

(909) 790-8521 fax: (909) 790-8525
www.yucaipaschools.com/wildwood
A California Distinguished School

FIELD TRIP REQUEST FORM

Teachers Name(s):

_______________________________________________

Destination:

_______________________________________________

Date(s):

_______________________________________________

Times:

Leaving from School: _____ Returning to School: _____

Estimated Cost:

$ ______________________________________________

Source of Funds

Transportation:

Students:

$ __________

Scholarship

$ __________

PTA Donation

$ __________

Other Funds

$ __________

Bus: _______________________________________
Parent(s) Driving: _____________________________
___________________________________________

IMPORTANT NOTE:

Parents who wish to drive their own children must submit a Request to Transport Child
letter and receive advance approval from the principal or designee prior to the day of the
field trip in accordance with District AR 3541.1 When district transportation is
provided, students may be released from using District transportation only with the
advance written permission of their parent/guardian.

Parents who are transporting children who are not their own must submit the
Transportation by Private Vehicle form and receive district approval before the field
trip. Allow for at least 10 business days for this process to be completed through Business
Services.

A FIELD TRIP IS NOT APPROVED UNTIL A SIGNED COPY OF THIS FORM IS

RECEIVED BACK BY THE TEACHER.
Trip Approved By:

__________________________

Date

__________________________

NOTE TO TEACHER: Be sure to complete all of the steps on the Field Trip Checklist
Form prior to the field trip. It is your responsibility to communicate effectively with office
staff.

35972 Susan Street Yucaipa, CA 92399

(909) 790-8521 fax: (909) 790-8525
http://ycjusd.wildwood.schoolfusion.us
A California Distinguished School

WILDWOOD FIELD TRIP CHECKLIST

1.

Submit the Field Trip Request form to Kathy.

2.

Submit a Field Trip Bus Request form to Kathy if using buses. YCJUSD has specific rules on this process now.
Do not coordinate a bus on your own.

3.

Submit the appropriate District forms and/or letters if using private vehicles:
Transportation by Private Vehicle
Request to Transport Child letter
Consent to Participate in School Field Trips Involving Parent/Teacher Provided Transportation
Consent to Participate in School Field Trips Involving Transportation by Private Vehicle

4.

Notify parents of the field trip in writing. Be aware that students may not be required to pay for the trip, but that you
may ask for donations. This would also be the time to send home the following:
The Student Permission Slip (Field Trip/Excursion Waiver & Medical Authorization Minor).
A note requesting chaperones. The adult to student ratio should be at least 1:10.
The Megans Law Volunteer Background Check and WES Volunteer Policy form for all chaperones.
The Supervision and Code of Ethics form for all chaperones.
The Sack Lunch Request Form
Be sure to share in writing in your notification of the field trip to parents the District AR 3541.1 When district
transportation is provided, students may be released from using District transportation only with the advance
written permission of their parent/guardian. This means that unless advance permission, meaning at least one day
before the field trip occurs, is provided; that student is to ride the district transportation back and forth from school
and cannot be released at the field trip site to a parent/guardian.

5.

Submit an ASB/PTA funds request to Kathy at least two weeks before trip. Be sure to follow the proper fundraising
procedures as explained in the Teacher Handbook if you are raising money.

6.

Submit the Two Week Advance Request for Field Trip Lunches to food services and review the Earned Lunch
and Sack Lunch procedures.

7.

During the week before your trip

Check with the Health Assistant on student medication needs.
Complete the Off-Campus Trip Notification slip and submit it to Kathy.
Complete the Exact Lunch Request form and submit it to the cafeteria 7 (seven) days before trip.
Make arrangements for those students who are not going on the field trip and let the principal know. Let Kathy
know which teacher will be supervising the students during the field trip day.

8.

On the morning of your trip:

Pick up any needed medication from the Health Assistants office and the field trip first aid kit.
Pick up all of the requested sack lunches from the cafeteria.
Check that each student has a completed permission slip. Take these slips with you on your trip.
Complete the Field Trip Sign-In & Sign Out slip for students who are being taken on the field trip
by their parent or guardian. Keep in mind that, unless the proper paperwork has been completed
ahead of time, individuals may not transport children. (see #4 above) Students who transport with their
parent/guardian have to sign out when they are only with their parent/guardian and then sign in when they
rejoin the class.

9.

Send out thank you cards, letters, artwork, etc to the PTA (if they paid for the trip), chaperones, presenters, and
anyone else who helped to make the field trip possible.

NOTE: All forms listed above may be found on the WES Website under Staff Resources > Field Trip Files
(not Office 365 Group Files).

YUCAIPA-CALIMESA JOINT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Yucaipa, California
FIELD TRIP/EXCLUSION WAIVER & MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION FOR MINOR
(Education Code Section 35330)

School: ______________________ Teacher: _______________________ Date of Field Trip: _________________________

Field Trip: __________________________________________

Field Trip Location: __________________________________

Itinerary information: ______________________________________________________________________________________

Students Name: _____________________________________________________________________ Grade: ______________

Last
First
MI
Father/Guardian Name: _________________________________________ Phone: Home __________________________
Mother/Guardian Name: ________________________________________

Work _____________________________
Cell
__________________________
Phone: Home _________________________ _
Work __________________________
Cell
__________________________

EMERGENCY Contact: __________________________________________

Phone: ________________________________

(If unable to reach parent)

Doctors Name: ________________________________________________________

Phone: __________________________________
Parents Health Insurance Carrier: _________________________________ Policy Number: __________________________

FIELD TRIP CONSENT/WAIVER OF LIABILITY & MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION FOR MINOR

I hereby give my permission for my child, _________________________________________, to participate in this field trip as
part of his/her regular school program.
I fully understand that my child is to abide by all school and district rules and regulations governing conduct during the field
trip and will be held accountable for improper conduct in accordance with district practice. It is understood that any child
determined to be in violation of these behavior standards may be sent home at the parents or guardians expense.
California Education Code Section 35330(d), All persons making the field trip or excursion shall be deemed to have waived
all claims against the district or the State of California for injury, accident, illness, or death occurring during or by reason of
the field trip or excursion. All adults taking out-of-state field trips or excursions and all parents or guardians of pupils taking
out-of-state field trips or excursions shall sign a statement waiving all claims.
I understand and acknowledge that, as provided in California Education Code Section 35330, by consenting to allow my child
to participate in this field trip, I shall by law be deemed to have given up all claims against the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint
Unified School District and each of its officers, employees, and agents (hereinafter collectively referred to as District) for
any injury, accident, illness, or death occurring during or by reason of the field trip. I also agree to relieve the district of any
responsibility for damage to or loss of my childs property occurring during or by reason of the field trip.
In the event of any illness or injury, I hereby consent to whatever x-ray, examination, anesthetic, medical, dental, or surgical
diagnosis or treatment and hospital care from a licensed physician and/or surgeon as deemed necessary for the safety and
welfare of my child. It is understood that the resulting expenses will be the responsibility of the parent(s), guardian(s), or
participant. Whenever possible, attempts will be made to contact the parent/guardian prior to taking any medical action.

/
Signature of Parent or Guardian

Date
/

Signature of Student

Date

SPECIAL NOTE TO PARENTS:

o _____ Check here if there are NO special problems that the staff should be aware of and NO medication/drugs are
required to be taken on trip.
o If your son/daughter has a special medical problem please give a description of that problem below:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
o All medication/drugs to be taken must be registered with the school health office prior to the field trip in accordance
with district policy.
o All medications/drugs to be taken must be kept and distributed by staff unless the school health office has on file a
physicians authorization allowing for self-medication.
o Name of Medication/Drug and Reason for Use: ______________________________________________________________
o Does your child have any drug or other allergies? (Insect bites or stings, foods, penicillin, etc.) ______________________
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________

REMEMBER, THE SCHOOL DISTRICT DOES NOT CARRY STUDENT ACCIDENT INSURANCE
Form 9152 - Business
Revised 3/01, 11/06, 9/10

YUCAIPA-CALIMESA JOINT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Yucaipa, California

BUS REQUEST
Date:______________________________________ PURPOSE: Clearly state the educational purpose/
value of the proposed trip:______________________
School:____________________________________ ___________________________________________
___________________________________________
Account #: 01-____-0-____-____-5717-____-_____ ___________________________________________
___________________________________________
School Plan Page #:_________________________ ___________________________________________
___________________________________________
OR ASB Account:___________________________ ___________________________________________
Mr./Mrs./Miss._____________________________________________ class would like to take a bus trip to
_______________________________________, _____________________________________________,
(location)
(street address)
______________________________ on _________________________, __________________________
(city)
(day)
(date)
There will be ______________ pupils and _______________ adults.
Scheduled departure time will be _______________a.m./p.m.
Return time will be _______________ a.m./p.m. (Time departing from location to return to school)
BUS/CHARTER COMPANY: _____________________________________________________________
ADDRESS:

______________________________________________________________

CITY:

______________________________________________________________

PHONE #:

______________________________________________________________
__________________________________________
Signature approval of Site Administrator
Estimated cost of Contracted Bus:$______________

1. Arrangements for buses must be made two weeks prior to the date requested.
2. The Site Administrator will sign and send request form to the District Business Services Department.
3. Attach a copy of the Confirmation and or Quote, which lists date, time, and cost.
4. Attach a copy of their Certificate of Liability Insurance along with Inspection Approval Certificate.
6. REQUEST WILL NOT BE PROCESSED IF THERE IS NO CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE OR INSPECTION
APPROVAL CERTIFICATE OR ACCOUNT NUMBER IS MISSING.

9150A
Rev 9/10

Student Activity Packet

Name: _______________________
Date: _______________________

Worksheet: Which Animals Live in the Tidepool?

Circle all the animals that live in a tidepool.
When the sheet is completed, discuss which animals make the tidepool their home and
which animals live in another habitat.

Crab
Anemone

Shark
Octopus

Urchin
Whale

Eel

Squid

Seal

Sea Star

Snail
Clam

Barnacle
Gull

Worksheet: Which Animals Live in the Tidepool?

Vocabulary
Select the appropriate word from the word bank below to fill in the blanks in the sentences.
Once all the blanks are filled in, place the letters in the numbered slots into the phrase at
the bottom of the page to read the secret message.

Adaptation
Baleen
Carnivore

Word Bank:
1.

Echolocation
Habitat
Invertebrate

Omnivore
Predator
Vertebrate

Algae
Camouflage
Cetaceans

Food chain
Herbivore
Mammal

Plankton
Prey

are hairy plates inside the mouth of a whale used for filtering food from the water.

2. An animal that eats other animals is called a

.
3

13

3. Marine mammals such as whales and dolphins are called

.
16

4.
is a type of sonar that toothed whales use to locate prey by making
10
special sounds and listening to their echoes.
5. An animal that is warm-blooded, has hair, breathes air, gives live birth, and nurse its young with
milk is called a
.
21

6.

are aquatic plants and animals, generally tiny, that drift with ocean currents.
1

7. An animal that captures and eats other animals is called a

.
11

8. An
environment.

is a feature of an organism that allows it to better survive in its

2

9.
is a behavior, shape, coloration, and/or pattern that helps a plant or ani8
mal blend in with its surroundings.
10. A
is when smaller organisms are eaten by larger organisms which are in
9
turn eaten by even larger organisms.
11. An animal that eats only plants is called a

20

14

12. An animal that does not have a spinal column or backbone is called an
.
19

12

13. An animal that eats both plants and animals is called an

17

14. An animal that is captured and eaten by another animal is called

15. A

18

16.

15

17. A

22

.
6

is an animal with a spinal column or backbone.

is a primitive plant-like organism often referred to as seaweed.

23

is the place where a plant or animal lives, its home.

What kind of noise annoys an oyster? Answer:

1

2 3 4 5 6
21 22 5 23

7 8 9 5 10

11 12 13 14 6 5

15 16

17 6 5 18 19 20

U A R I U M O F TH E PA
3-5 AQ
C I FIC

Blue Whale
Fill in the blanks with your own funny words!
Or complete the story using the words
below to learn about the blue whale.

_________ whales are the_______________

(Color)

(Adjective)

animal on the planet! Our model is 88 feet long, but these whales can reach
lengths up to ________ feet (about the size of 3 _______________and weigh up
(Type of Vehicle)

(Number)

to 300,000 pounds. The African ________________ is the largest animal

(Animal)

that lives on land and weighs about 8,000 pounds. Just the ______________
(Body Part)

of the blue whale weighs that much! The heart of the blue whale is about the
size of a _______________ . Blue whales love to eat a type of plankton
(Brand of Automobiles)

called krill, tiny shrimp-like crustaceans that float in the ocean. They take in
large quantities of ________________ (up to _______ gallons at once) and strain
(Liquid)

(Number)

the tiny animals through their baleen. Baleen are hairy plates that hang from
the upper _________________of the whale and look like a mustache inside its
(Body Part)

mouth. The baleen catches all the krill while it lets the __________________
(Same Liquid)

out. Then the whale takes its elephant-sized tongue and licks its food-coated
baleen clean!
Actual Paragraph: Blue whales are the largest animal on the planet! Our model is 88 feet
long, but these whales can reach lengths up to 110 feet (about the size of 3 school buses) and
weigh up to 300,000 pounds. The African elephant is the largest animal that lives on land
and weighs about 8000 pounds. Just the tongue of the blue whale weighs that much! The
heart of the blue whale is about the size of a Honda Civic! Blue whales love to eat a type of
plankton called krill, tiny shrimp-like crustaceans that float in the ocean. They take in large
quantities of water (up to 1 7,000 gallons at once) and strain the tiny animals through their
baleen. Baleen are hairy plates that hang from the upper jaw of the whale and look like a mustache inside its mouth. The baleen catches all the krill while it lets the water out. Then the
whale takes its elephant-sized tongue and licks its food-coated baleen clean!

U A R I U M O F TH E PA
3-5 AQ
C I FIC

Tile Rubbing Page

Tile Rubbing Page

Souther n

California Baja
Fishy Shapes

A fishs body shape gives important clues about where the fish lives and how it moves.
There are five main body shapes for fishes.

Match each of the following shapes to the fish that best

represents that shape.
Ribbon-shaped- long, tubular and flexible.
These fish are slow swimmers, but they
can easily maneuver through cracks and
crevices. For example: gunnel and moray eel.
Fusiform- shaped like a football. These fish are
fast swimmers and are usually found swimming out
in the open ocean at the midwater level. For example: mackerel, yellowtail, and kelp bass.
Rod-shaped- elongated. These fish are usually
found near the surface of the water. They tend to
be ambush hunters; they wait motionless until
prey swims by, then attack. For example:
barracuda.
Depressed- flat pancake-like. These fish
often live near the bottom of the ocean and
can camouflage themselves in the sand. For
example: stingray.
Compressed- flattened from side to side.
These fish can maneuver quickly in and out
of narrow hiding places such as a coral reef.
For example: garibaldi and angelfish.

Black
Sea Bass

U A R I U M O F TH E PA
3-5 AQ
C I FIC

S o u t h e rn

California Baja

Seals and Sea Lions

At first glance, seals and sea lions look a lot alike. They both have
sleek, streamlined bodies, a thick layer of blubber, highly sensitive
whiskers, and excellent hearing, especially under water. But while
they do share some physical traits, seals and sea lions also have
significant differences. Can you match the following physical
characteristics to the correct animal?

External ear flaps

No external ear flaps
Long front flippers

Harbor Seal

Short front flippers

Short neck
California
Sea Lion

Long neck
Propel with front flippers and
steer with the hind flippers
Propel with hind flippers and
steer with the front flippers
Clumsy on land
Moves easi ly on land

U A R I U M O F TH E PA
3-5 AQ
C I FIC

Shark Lagoon
Sharks are amazing predators! Their streamlined shape
and heightened senses make them excellent hunters.
Their teeth are designed to grind, grab, or tear off chunks of
meat. Their fins steer, stabilize, and push them through the water.
Look closely at the sharks in the large window at Shark Lagoon.
Compare them to the shark below.

What is the shark

missing? Can you
draw and label
the missing parts?

M iss in g Pa rts
label

Shark Math

label

Did you know that there are over

360 different species of sharks in
the oceans? Sharks come in a
variety of different sizes, from the
tiny pygmy shark that is less than
a foot in length to the whale shark
that can grow to 50 feet! Using the
following shark lengths, solve the
math problems below.

label

Shark

Length

Whale shark
Great White shark
Sawfish
Blue shark
Blacktip reef shark
Leopard shark
Horn shark
Bamboo Shark
Pygmy shark

50 ft
22 ft
21 ft
12.5 ft
6.5 ft
6 ft
4 ft
3.5 ft
10 in

If a leopard shark swam in a straight line head to tail with a black tip reef
shark, which shark would the two together be as large as? _________________
How much longer is a whale shark than a great white shark? How many
bamboo sharks would that equal? __________________________________________
How much larger is a great white shark than a horn shark? How many
leopard sharks does that equal? ____________________________________________
How many pygmy sharks would it take to equal the length of one whale shark?
Horn shark? _____________________________________________________________
The length of two blue sharks minus the length of a horn shark is the length of
which shark ? ____________________________________________________________
Horn Shark
Egg Case

U A R I U M O F TH E PA
3-5 AQ
C I FIC

Northern Pacific
Feathers keep them warm, wings let them soar, and their
webbed feet help them swim. Diving birds have many amazing
adaptations, but they dont have an adaptation that helps them pull free of trash when
they are tangled up. Our trash and nets trap and kill thousands of sea
birds each year. Can you help the puffin navigate from the open ocean
to its cl iffside home while avoiding all the trash?

Diving Birds

Open ocean

Cliffside home

U A R I U M O F TH E PA
3-5 AQ
C I FIC

Northern Pacific
Sea Otters

Sea otters are mammals.

They breathe air, have hair,
do not lay eggs, nurse their young with
milk, and are warm blooded. To stay warm in
their chilly ocean habitat, they have the thickest fur of any animal on the planet. In just one square inch, they have 650,000
to 1,000,000 hairs! That is enough to cover 7 human heads or an entire German
shepherd! Watch the otters roll at the surface of the water. They are trapping a
layer of air inside their fur to insulate themselves from the cold water. Between
their thick fur and this layer of air, water never touches the otters skin!
Watch the otter dive below the surface. What do you see happening
to this layer of air?

What can the otter do to replenish the layer of air when some of it
is lost?
Another way that sea otters stay warm is by eating. Sea otters have a very high
metabolism. They eat 25-30% of their body weights in food each day! All that food
converts to energy that keeps them warm. Do you know what food sea otters like
to eat?

Circle the food below that a sea otter might eat.

Sea Otters Eat:

sea star
clam

crab

hamburger
ice cream
mussels
pizza
sea urchin

U A R I U M O F TH E PA
3-5 AQ
C I FIC

Tropical Pacific
Symbiosis means living together and refers to several types of
animal relationships. Sometimes these relationships benefit both
animals, like that of the clownfish and the anemone. The clownfish is
protected in the anemones stinging tentacles while the anemone is cleaned and even
sometimes fed by the clownfish. This relationshipboth
animals benefitis called mutualism. Can you draw a
clownfish in this anemone?

S y m b io s is

There are other examples of

symbiosis here at the Aquarium.
Search for the remora in the large Tropical Reef
habitat. The remora has a parasitic relationship with
sharks and turtles. This type of relationship benefits
one partner at the other partners expense.
Which animal do you think benefits?

How?

Look for a grouper and cleaner wrasse in the Tropical gallery.

Can you describe their relationship?

How does each animal benefit?

Grouper with
cleaner wrasses

U A R I U M O F TH E PA
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10

Tropical Pacific
F is h y S c h o o ls

You may see a large group of

fish swimming together in our
large Tropical Reef habitat.
When fish swim together like this, it is called a school of fish.
Why do you think fish school?

___________________________________________

Pick one fish in the school to watch. Try to follow that fish for 30 seconds. Is it
easy or hard to follow it? Did you lose it? How might this benefit the fish?

s
Homey Habitat

An animals home is called a habitat. There are all

types of habitats on land such as rain forests, lakes,
deserts, streams, and grasslands. You have seen several types
of ocean habitats today at the Aquarium. Can you name at least
three of them below.

U A R I U M O F TH E PA
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11

__________________________

________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________
_____________________________________________

___________
_______________

Journal
Topic:

Draw a picture:

Date:________________

Field Trip Guidelines for Chaperones

Thank You for Your Support!

We believe that field trips provide a valuable educational experience for students. Field trips increase student
knowledge and understanding of a subject and add realism to the topic of study. Without the help of volunteer
chaperones, most field trips would not be possible. Thank you very much for giving your time and support.
In order to help ensure that school-sponsored field trips result in safe and rewarding experiences for all
participants, we have prepared these guidelines to provide information about volunteering as a field trip chaperone.
Becoming a Volunteer Field Trip Chaperone
Student safety is our paramount concern. All volunteers must have successfully passed a Megans Law website
background check prior to the trip. The school site will perform the background check. All volunteers must
complete a Chaperone Application Form, and all drivers must be at least 25 years of age. Non-driving chaperones
must be at least 18 years of age. Drivers under 25 years of age can drive their own child and can chaperone, but
cannot drive any other children.
Guidelines for Volunteer Chaperones
Before the field trip, the classroom teacher will provide you with information regarding the activities planned for
the trip, expectations for supervising students and emergency procedures.
In addition, the following general guidelines will help you be a good chaperone. If you have questions regarding
these guidelines, please speak to the teacher or the principal.
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.
6.
7.

All school rules apply on school-sponsored field trips. Chaperones are expected to follow school rules,
follow the directions given by the coordinating teacher, work cooperatively with other volunteers and
school staff members, and serve as a role model for students. The chaperone will follow the trip plan
developed by the teacher.
Students must be supervised at all times while at a school sponsored event. As a chaperone, you will
supervise a small group of students, helping them learn and making sure they behave well and are safe.
Students must stay with you, their chaperone, at all times. Check to make sure you know where all
students are regularly and before changing activities. Be sure you know when and where to meet the rest
of your group at the end of the visit. Count, count, count, all day!
Student behavior is your responsibility. School rules related to student behavior apply. Go over the rules
and standards of behavior, safety rules, and any site-specific rules with students. Ensure that students do
not get involved in any extra activities not pre-approved by the teacher. You are responsible for student
behavior, but it is the responsibility of the teacher to discipline a student who is misbehaving.
Chaperones:
May not use or possess alcohol or drugs
May not use tobacco in the presence of, or within the sight of, students
May not administer any medications, prescription or nonprescription, to students
May not use a cell phone for non-emergency or non-trip related purposes. It is not acceptable for
outside work or reading to be completed while you are supervising students.
Eating and drinking are not permitted outside of designated areas and predetermined times. There is no
eating or drinking on the school bus.
For the protection of both the student and the chaperone, chaperones should not be alone with a student
at any time for example in the vehicle, in a restroom, etc.
Siblings and family members may not participate in a school-sponsored field trip. Young children can easily
distract you from your primary responsibility of supervising your group of students.

8. Be sure you know what to do in an emergency (medical emergency, natural emergency, lost child, serious
break of rules, etc.) Know who is first aid trained, where the first aid kit is located and where your cell
phone is. Keep the cell phone contact number of the teacher and other chaperones available.
9. Please follow the directions of the docents and guides even if other groups do not.
10. When transporting students, stay with the group, do not make unauthorized stops unless there is an
emergency, do not skip planned stops and make sure that all students have the appropriate safety
restraints.

In the event that I have a personal emergency while chaperoning, please contact:

Printed Name

Relationship

Daytime Phone

I acknowledge that I have received the Field Trip Guidelines for Chaperones, have read these
guidelines, and agree to comply with the guidelines as a field trip chaperone.

Printed Name

Signature

Date

Cell Phone

Aquarium of
the Pacific

DISCOVERY LAB

SHOREBIRDS
PENGUINS

MOLINA
ANIMAL CARE
CENTER

SEA
JELLIES

SEA
OTTERS

RAY TOUCHPOOL

SHARK LAGOON

TROPICAL

SEALS &
SEA LIONS

RETAIL

BLUE
CAVERN

SEA
DRAGONS

WATERSHED

CLASSROOM

LORIKEETS

Chaperone Orientation P2 V9.indd 1

SPLASH
ZONE

CHANGING
GALLERY
THEATER

HARBOR
TERRACE

Key
touch exhibit

TIDAL
ZONE

OCEAN
SCIENCE
CENTER

elevator

meet here for

classroom programs

INFO

RETAIL
MAIN
ENTRANCE

MEMBER
ENTRANCE

FRONT
GRASS

GATE 10

7/23/14 4:14:49 PM

Please
Remember:

As a field trip chaperone, you are required

to remain with your students at all times.
Help students be respectful of other guests by
walking and making room for others.
Avoid chewing gum (it can be harmful for the
animals).
If you leave and need to re-enter, please get
your hand stamped at the main entrance.
Spend time making observations and asking
questions with students.
No eating lunches inside the Aquarium.

Thank you for visiting the Aquarium!

Chaperone Orientation P2 V9.indd 2

School Name: __________________________________________________________

front grass*
Lunch Time: _____________ Lunch Location: ___________________________

* In case of rain, check with Will Call for lunch location.

Program Classroom Space

Time

1. _________________________________________________________________________
2. _________________________________________________________________________
3. _________________________________________________________________________

Meet on Harbor Terrace (indicated with star on map)

10 minutes before your class. Harbor Terrace is where you were
first escorted into the Aquarium. Watershed classroom is near
the exit to Lorikeet Forest, to the left of Shark Lagoon.

7/23/14 4:14:50 PM

Aquarium of the Pacific Field Trip Packet Rubric

Student Name:
CATEGORY

________________________________________

Plaque Rubbings Two detailed,

attractive, and
neat rubbings are
included in the
packet.

One detailed,
attractive, and
neat rubbing is
included in the
packet.

Rubbings are
hard to see,
features of
animals can't be
made out.

Rubbings are
unrecognizable
appear as random
scribbles on the
page.

Requirements

All pages of the Almost all of the

packet have been pages in the
completed.
packet have been
completed.

Most of the
pages in the
packet have been
completed

Many pages in
the packet have
not been
completed.

Journal
Reflection

The reflection
includes all the
required
elements, is
neatly written
and is free of
grammatical and
punctuation
errors.

The reflection is
missing one of
the required
elements, is
neatly written
and is mostly
free of
grammatical and
punctuation
errors.

The reflection is
missing 2 of the
required
elements, and the
quality of writing
needs to be
improved.

The reflection is
missing 3
elements. The
writing is sloppy
and difficult to
read.

Thank You
Letter

Complies with
all the
requirements for
a friendly letter
and is neatly
executed.

Complies with
less than 75% of
the requirements
for a friendly
letter.

Complies with
several of the
requirements for
a friendly letter.

Complies with a
few of the
requirements for
a friendly letter.

Scavenger-hunt

Student devoted
a lot of time and
effort to the
completion of the
packet worked
hard and did an
excellent job
collecting all the
items in the
scavenger hunt.

Student devoted
adequate time
and effort to the
completion of the
packet worked
hard and did
good job
collecting most
the items in the
scavenger hunt.

Student devoted
little time and
effort to the
completion of the
packet. Many
scavengerhunt
items are
missing.

Student devoted
little time and
effort to the
completion of the
packet. Most
scavengerhunt
items are missing.

References

Aquarium of the Pacific. (2016). Retrieved July 02, 2016, from

http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/education/yourfieldtrip/
Learning Resources. (n.d.). Retrieved July 02, 2016, from
http://www.cabrillomarineaquarium.org/education/learning-resources.asp