Nesting penguins, sea star habitat and a scientist dissecting a squid are just some of the topics you will learn about at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach.

It’s all part of the nonprofit’s STEM (science, technology, engineering or math) education programs that have now gone virtual and online since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, including the new Aquarium Online Academy.

“We are sharing love for the ocean with families who share the same love,” said Emily Yam, the aquarium’s senior manager of education. “It’s a relief in times of stress where you can unplug for 30 minutes to learn and have fun.”

The Aquarium Online Academy includes live 30-minute interactive programs broadcast twice in the morning each weekday and is popular with families and schools. Educators cover topics like habitats and earth systems for various age groups from pre-K through high school and participants can text their questions.

The aquarium is partnering with Edison International to bring these virtual online STEM education programs to its audience, with both national and international viewers, as their indoor exhibits remain closed to the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. The aquarium’s outdoor exhibits are currently open with some restrictions. Edison International has provided more than $900,000 in grant funding to the nonprofit over the past 20 years.

“Nonprofits like the Aquarium of the Pacific are finding innovative ways to educate and inspire students to share their love of the ocean, even during the pandemic,” said Alex Esparza, SCE principal manager of Corporate Giving. “Edison International is proud to continue its support of nonprofits who are making a positive difference in our communities.”

The Aquarium Online Academy videos are viewed by hundreds of people every day and are also available for viewing on demand. School districts are also working with the nonprofit to provide programming for their students. These usually take place in the afternoons.

Yam recalls one young student who was taking a road trip with his family. He would tune in to watch the academy videos and then reach out to the aquarium staff during his trip to discuss what he had learned.

“It’s cool to connect with families while they are remote and sometimes feeling isolated, to create a new space where families can watch our videos together,” said Yam.

The aquarium also introduced a virtual program for junior high and high school students called Ocean Neighbors. This program allows students interested in STEM and the aquarium to remain connected with scientists as they learn about the ocean. Students in this program also get service hour credits from their schools.

About two dozen students are currently taking part in this program, which is set to expand this fall. Each week, students tune in to a one-hour live video program to learn about various topics in the science fields. They also receive a kit that includes a lawn sign and dry eraser so they can write about what they have learned and share it with their communities.

“It’s a good way to engage the students and provide them with STEM opportunities and keep them connected with science professionals,” said Raelene Child, the aquarium’s manager of youth volunteers and interns. “These students really want to get back to the aquarium and this is a happy medium.”

The success of the Aquarium’s online STEM education programs mean some will likely continue even as health orders are lifted.

“We are happy to be a resource for the community right now. It is a stressful time, but we are behind something that we are so proud of,” said Lindsay Yates, the aquarium’s senior manager for Corporate and Foundation Relations.

For more information: aquariumofpacific.org/.