Shedd Aquarium to unveil teen learning lab

CHICAGO — Chicago's Shedd Aquarium is getting ready to unveil a free learning lab for teenagers that will be open three days a week.

Shedd renovated a room with input from teens, adding Apple workstations, iPads and floor-to-ceiling whiteboards. Other equipment will help teens produce videos and podcasts and conduct their own research.

Students from Shedd's learning programs will act as mentors in the lab. Aquarium research biologists and technology specialists will provide a variety of workshops and guidance.

The lab will launch with an open house for current high school students on Sept. 21. Students must register by Sept. 17. Starting Sept. 24, the lab will be open from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.