Aquarium of the Bay Sets New Record in Free Education Programs

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Taking its commitment to inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards to record-setting levels, Aquarium of the Bay today announced that 16,552 Bay Area students, teachers and chaperones benefited from its free education programs during the 2009/2010 school year.  The number marks a 21% increase from the previous year and a 44% increase since 2005.  Beginning today, teachers can register for educational programs online at www.aquariumofthebay.com/reservations.aspx.  

"Aquarium of the Bay recognizes the continuous budgeting challenges that Bay Area schools and educators face, and is pleased to supplement science-based education with our classroom and tour programs," said Carrie Chen, Education and Conservation Director for Aquarium of the Bay.  

In the past 14 years, Aquarium of the Bay has provided free admission to more than 130,000 K-12 students from the nine Bay Area counties.  Specialized hands-on, inquiry-based classroom programs and guided tours, led by the Aquarium's teachers and naturalists, focus on a wide range of San Francisco Bay and watershed topics. Descriptions and corresponding California State Science Standards are available at www.aquariumofthebay.com/education.aspx?n=621053.  

New for 2010, the Aquarium has teamed up with Alcatraz Cruises to lead a fee-based, Discover the Bay Hybrid Ferry program.  The five-hour tour includes on-board and Aquarium-based activities, geared towards fifth through eighth grade students and led by the Aquarium's naturalists.  Learn more at: http://www.aquariumofthebay.org/education.aspx?q=10102&c=10016.

Supporters of the Aquarium, an affiliate of The Bay Institute, have the opportunity to "adopt" a classroom and help strengthen the educational outreach needs of both organizations, by supporting the Campaign for Watershed Literacy.  The Campaign provides a range of education-focused needs, from sponsoring a class to helping purchase a hybrid van to lead outreach to underserved schools.  Learn more at http://www.bay.org/contribute/support-watershed-literacy.

About Aquarium of the Bay

Aquarium of the Bay is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit marine nature center affiliated with The Bay Institute.  The Aquarium is dedicated to creating experiences that inspire conservation of San Francisco Bay and its watershed. It is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), and certified as a Green Business by the city of San Francisco. Additional information on Aquarium of the Bay is available at www.aquariumofthebay.org, and on The Bay Institute at www.bay.org.

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Carrie Chen

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John Frawley

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SOURCE Aquarium of the Bay