DENVER ATTRACTION FIELD GUIDE
Aquarium: The Inside Story — A 45‑Minute Classroom Expedition into a Million‑Gallon System
A focused, standards‑aligned classroom program at Downtown Aquarium that unpacks the chemistry, biology and technology keeping a million gallons of water habitable for aquatic life.
Aquarium: The Inside Story — A 45‑Minute Classroom Expedition into a Million‑Gallon System.
Aquarium: The Inside Story is a classroom program at the Downtown Aquarium in Denver that invites students to look behind the scenes at the chemistry, biology and technology that sustain thousands of aquatic animals and a million gallons of water. In a compact, inquiry‑driven session students study the nitrogen cycle and the three types of filtration used in the aquarium’s water cycle, with content tied to Colorado State Standards.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Behind the Million‑Gallon Curtain
Participants investigate the chemistry and technology that keep aquarium systems healthy, including the nitrogen cycle and the three types of filtration used to maintain a million gallons of water.
Standards‑Aligned Classroom Content
The program is designed to meet Colorado State Standards for middle and high school science—cited specifically in the program materials—making it an efficient field‑trip option for curriculum objectives.
Guided Animal Encounters and Supervised Learning
Students have opportunities to interact with some animals (for example at the stingray exhibit); chaperones are expected to ensure quiet, gentle behavior and aquarium staff reserve the right to limit interaction time if students do not follow guidelines.
What the day feels like
What the visit feels like
The program unfolds as a focused, 45‑minute classroom session that pairs instructor‑led explanation with behind‑the‑scenes demonstrations of water chemistry and filtration. It’s an intensive, curriculum‑tied visit: students move from concept to concrete examples of aquarium systems, with supervised animal interactions integrated where appropriate.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this program is best suited for, and who should consider alternate options.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Classroom programs must be booked at least three weeks in advance. The session runs 45 minutes; pricing starts at $9.50 per student for grades 6–12, and college classes are available at $12.50 per student.
Chaperones will receive a ‘Chaperone’ sticker at check‑in and should wear it throughout the visit; students are recommended to have name tags with school and teacher contact. Plan to keep lunches on the bus or carry them—there is no storage for lunches, coats or backpacks.
Register and pay online for anticipated attendance; upon check‑in the aquarium can charge or refund the card on file based on the final headcount. If an invoice or payment by check is required, call the School Group Sales Coordinator at 303‑561‑4444 to make arrangements. Arrive 10 minutes before your scheduled classroom program.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the classroom program?
The classroom program is 45 minutes long.
What are the per‑student costs?
Pricing starts at $9.50 per student for grades 6–12; the class is available for college classes at $12.50 per student.
How far in advance do I need to book?
Classroom programs must be booked at least three weeks in advance.
What are the group size limits?
School groups must have a minimum of 10 students (you will be charged for a minimum of 10). The maximum group size for the classroom program is 30 students per hour time slot; larger groups require booking an additional hour.
What are the chaperone rules?
A minimum of one chaperone is required for every 10 students; a recommended chaperone ratio is 1 adult per 5 students (adults within the 1:5 ratio are free). Due to classroom space only that 1:5 ratio of adults may attend the classroom program; additional adults may visit the aquarium while students are in class. Chaperones must keep students with them at all times, including in restrooms.
Can we store lunches or backpacks at the aquarium?
No. Downtown Aquarium does not have a storage area for lunches, coats or backpacks. Sack lunches may be eaten on the grass next to the aquarium or at picnic tables; in poor weather groups should plan alternate arrangements.
What happens if we arrive late?
If you are more than 10 minutes late for your classroom program, the session will be cancelled and is non‑refundable.