Step into the shoes of working scientists in this family friendly program. Each week, we will feature a different type of scientist, describe the research they conduct, and dive into their world with hands-on activities.
Dates:
Jan 12 – Chemist – Put on your safety glasses and become a chemist! We’ll make a density potion and learn about types of chemical reaction.
Jan 19 – Meteorologist – What’s the weather today? Learn how weather works and storms form by becoming a meteorologist.
Jan 26 – Marine Biologist – Become a marine biologist studying sharks, dolphins, and whales.
Feb 2 – Botanist – Dive into the world of plants and learn what it is like to be a botanist! We will focus on plants for pollinators and explore pollination through hands-on activities.
Feb 9 – Ichthyologist – Swim into the world of ichthyologists and learn all about fish. We will investigate the different types of fish scales, unique fish anatomy, and cool fish seen along the coast.
Feb 16 – Ornithologist – This week is all about birds! Learn how scientists identify and track birds through fun, interactive activities as we take flight as ornithologists.
Feb 23 – Seismologist – Explore the causes of earthquakes as we become seismologists. Think you can build a structure that can last through an earthquake? Find out in this fun, interactive program!
Mar 2 – Ecologist – Take a closer look at how an ecosystem works. As ecologists we will be studying the marsh ecosystems we can find throughout our region.
Mar 9 – Geologist – Rocks rock! Explore the different types of rock as we dig for treasures in this fun, interactive program experiencing the world of geologists.
Mar 16 – Aquaculturist – Also known as fish farmers, aquaculturists grow raise fish and shellfish under controlled conditions. Some shellfish, such as oysters, are beneficial to the environment. We
will discover why aquaculturists raise shellfish and explore the important role these organisms play in the environment.
Mar 23 – Herpetologist – Turtles, frogs, and snakes, oh my! Hop on over this week to learn about local reptiles and amphibians and step into the shoes of a herpetologist.
Mar 30 – Agronomist – Dig into the science of soil as we learn about agronomists. Get down and dirty as we learn about the three main types of soil and common critters found in the soil.
Jamie Justice is the creator of Spotlight Science. Justice is the Education Manager for the Museum of Coastal Carolina and Ingram Planetarium. She received her Bachelor of Science in Marine Biology from Bowling Green State University and her Master of Science in Environmental Science with concentrations in Marine and Coastal Education and Coastal Management from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington.
Magic Globe is an engaging story designed to interest and challenge young children. While on vacation at her grandpa’s house, Mia accidentally discovers a mysterious piece of astronomical machinery with secret powers that can change the world’s seasons. Mia’s eccentric uncle tries to trick Mia into using the tool’s secret powers but she quickly realizes the consequences of their actions. The movie is followed by a live star show.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Chichén Itzá, Mexico, and listen to the story of the ancient Maya civilization. Experience Tales of the Maya Skies. With unprecedented realism Tales of the Maya Skies immerses us in Maya science, art and mythology, using full dome digital technology to transport us back into the world of the Maya. Tales of the Maya Skies inspires and educates through its description of the Maya’s accurate astronomical achievements and how astronomy connected them to the Universe.
Learn how the telescope helps us understand our place in space and expand our understanding of the Universe. This program explores the history of the telescope and the discoveries this wonderful tool has made.
This is a live star show. The presenter will display the night sky on the planetarium’s dome ceiling and take you on a tour, pointing out the stars, planets, and constellations that are visible in our area. Later, as you are walking along the beach on a clear night, you will be able to recognize by name the celestial sights you see.
You’re invited to get up close with some of the more familiar creatures found in our ocean.
Our touch tank pool allows you to gently touch marine animals such as sea stars, sea urchins, whelks, horseshoe crabs, and hermit crabs. These animals live in a variety of habitats and have developed many ways to survive the waves and predators. Volunteers are on hand to assist and teach you about these incredible animals.
Did you know, when a sea urchin “hugs” your finger if you gently touch its spines, it’s actually checking you out: Are you food or predator? If you’re neither, the animal will just gradually release you.
Immerse yourself in the beauty of Chichén Itzá, Mexico, and listen to the story of the ancient Maya civilization. Experience Tales of the Maya Skies. With unprecedented realism Tales of the Maya Skies immerses us in Maya science, art and mythology, using full dome digital technology to transport us back into the world of the Maya. Tales of the Maya Skies inspires and educates through its description of the Maya’s accurate astronomical achievements and how astronomy connected them to the Universe.
Learn how the telescope helps us understand our place in space and expand our understanding of the Universe. This program explores the history of the telescope and the discoveries this wonderful tool has made.
This is a live star show. The presenter will display the night sky on the planetarium’s dome ceiling and take you on a tour, pointing out the stars, planets, and constellations that are visible in our area. Later, as you are walking along the beach on a clear night, you will be able to recognize by name the celestial sights you see.
Join this sensory experience unlike any other as live lighting and laser effects accompany classic hits heard through the area’s best sound system.