Connect with animals, your peers and Shedd staff during our Teen Workshops. Learn about local and global conservation and explore careers at Shedd. Join us to discover new interests, engage in STEAM topics and investigate the aquatic world!

This two-part program series was developed in partnership with the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures (ISAC) at the University of Chicago. Much of human history can be traced back to our need for freshwater and dependence on river systems. For that reason, many now-urban environments sprung up around rivers and are in need of important conservation work. During this two-part program, explore how the peoples of ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt utilized river resources at ISAC, then visit Shedd to learn how humans and riverways can coexist.

Session One: History of Humans & Rivers

Date: Saturday, July 22
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures; Ventra cards will be provided at this program to help offset any transportation costs

Traveling back in time to Mesopotamia and Ancient Egypt, we will see how humans from the earliest parts of civilization utilized, depended on, and navigated ancient waterways. This program will take place at the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures.

Session Two: River Conservation

Date: Saturday, August 5
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Location: Shedd Aquarium

In 2023, humans around the world still depend on rivers to transport goods, to supply food, or for recreation. That use means river ecosystems can be polluted, so it’s increasingly important to learn how to conserve rivers, including right here in Chicago. This program will take place at Shedd Aquarium.

AGES: 14 - 18 years old or currently enrolled in high school

COST: Free, registration required

Click here for complete details and registration.