Adults and children alike will have the opportunity to be marine scientists for a day at the Skidaway Marine Science Day on Saturday, October 13. Visitors will learn about new scientific discoveries, peer behind huge aquarium tanks and explore a real research ship between noon and 5 p.m. on the Skidaway Marine Science Campus at the north end of Skidaway Island.
The campus-wide open house event is open to the public and admission is free.
“All our campus partners are combining efforts to present a day filled with interesting activities for both adults and children,” said Michael Sullivan, external affairs manager for the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography. “We would like to demonstrate that marine science can be both educational and fun.”
Each of the organizations on the campus will offer visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how marine science is conducted. The Skidaway Institute of Oceanography will offer tours of the Research Vessel Savannah, science demonstrations on current research and a campus-wide scavenger hunt.
The University of Georgia Marine Extension Service’s public saltwater aquarium will be open free of charge. The aquarium features 14 exhibits of native species. Families will be able to wander and explore the center’s educational and kid-friendly spaces designed for exciting, hands-on activities and demonstrations. Highlights include getting a close and personal look at some of the spineless wonders found along the Georgia coast in the live animal touch tank room.
“You’ll get a chance to discover where the book gills are on a horseshoe crab, count the number of tube feet on a sea star and hold a hermit crab,” said Dodie Sanders, marine educator.
A nature hike, a reptile show and boat tours will also make for perfect afternoon of educational and family fun.
The staff of the Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary will introduce visitors to an underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) and visitors will have an opportunity to maneuver the ROV in the campus pool.
The Department of Natural Resources will provide a life-size model of a whale that visitors can walk through.
WSVH Georgia Public Radio will be open for visitors.
For additional information, call (912) 598-2325, or visit www.uga.edu/aquarium or http://www.skio.usg.edu/news/events.php
