Come learn about the Golden-winged Warbler, migratory birds that can be found here in North Carolina and as far away as Nicaragua. John has made 19 trips to Nicaragua between 2005-2019. In 2012, he began research on the Golden-winged Warbler – a threatened songbird that occurs on wildlife-friendly coffee farms during the non-breeding season. John will discuss his ecotourism activities in Nicaragua, highlight results of the warbler research and showcase other migratory birds and local wildlife – all related to his work among various sustainable coffee farms.
John is a Research Curator of Ornithology and Educator with the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. When not in Nicaragua, he does research on the breeding life cycle parameters of several species of songbirds in our state. He is the co-founder of Wake Audubon’s Young Naturalist Club, and mentors a pack of teenagers who work with him in the field and the Museum. John earned his B.S. in Biology at the University of Minnesota, and an M.S. in Zoology/Ornithology at Louisiana State University.
Every Tuesday evening through Labor Day, enjoy an entertaining and educational presentation at the Museum of Coastal Carolina. The Sandbar Lecture Series brings local experts to speak about topics ranging from our coastal environment to Outer Banks history.
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trap on a virtual reality (VR) headset and watch hundreds of sea turtles emerge from sand, heading toward the beach in our newest VR program, Sea Turtle Quest. This exciting program explores the life cycle of sea turtle including digging a nest, laying eggs, and returning to the sea. Through VR technology, explore a virtual science laboratory that brings the real world into the lab and teaches the process of science. Examine eggshells with a microscope, scale, and other common lab tools. Match the sea turtle tracks to the sea turtle who laid them by examining photos of turtle tracks. Learn why not all baby sea turtles survive and what you can do to protect hatchlings.
The Science in 3D program will feature Sea Turtle Quest on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 1:00 pm through Labor Day. The Science in 3D program is hosted by Education Coordinator Jamie Justice, who will help launch each VR adventure and answer questions about the experience. This program is not recommended for children under 8 or people who experience motion sickness.
Children can test their ocean IQ and learn who really lives in the ocean while being safe. This program is designed to entertain and educate kids about sea life using a fun, interactive format. Kids will learn all about the sea life they are swimming with and the way the animals protect themselves. Safety while at the beach or near water will also be discussed across seven rules such as what to do when swimming alone, how to help someone in the water, etc. Kids will have an opportunity to make sea bottles (plastic bottles that they can fill with shells, crystal sand, and mermaid magic) that they can take home.
Judy Soboda facilitates the All Hands on Deck program. Judy received her Bachelor’s in Education from Bowling Green State University. She has lived on Ocean Isle Beach for the last 20 years and has been a dependable volunteer maintaining and caring for the fish and sea critters at the Museum of Coastal Carolina.
Come to the steps of the Museum of Coastal Carolina to meet up for Safe Beach Outreach, a partnership between the Museum, the Town of Ocean Isle Beach, and the OIB Fire Department. Kids attending this free program will learn how to safely enjoy our amazing local environment.
Firefighters will explain tips to ensure everyone’s time at Ocean Isle Beach is full of fun, while we all remain safe in the sun. Learn about safety around sea life, protection from the sun, pedestrian and bike travel on the island, riptides, and more! Members of the OIB Recreation Department and staff at the Museum of Coastal Carolina will have fun activities, visuals, and a snack for everyone before heading out to explore the fire truck. Admission to the museum is not required for this program.
Take a look at the amazing world of sharks and what makes them unique to other fish. Learn about these powerful predators’ anatomy and bust myths and misconceptions about sharks. Ever wonder if sharks sleep? Are they really people eaters? How many teeth do they have? We’ll delve into these questions and more in this interactive program. Then we’ll discuss some “shark smarts” that will keep you and others safe while you have fun in the sun. Finish with some fun shark art and make a shark craft to take home.
Our Education Coordinator, Jamie Justice will present this fun, interactive program. Jamie 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.
Our newest exhibit uses a virtual reality mobile classroom to bring you an exciting experience: flying inside Hurricane Maria. Strap on a pair of virtual reality headsets and become immersed in this unique environment.
The Science in 3D program will feature Hurricane Maria on Tuesday and Thursday at 1:00 pm through Labor Day.
Learn about the diversity of life in the Green Swamp in this CSI program. Solve the mystery of a mysterious animal sighting by uncovering clues about animal tracks, habitat, and more!
Our Education Coordinator, Jamie Justice will present this fun, interactive program. Jamie 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.
Do you know how many species of venomous snakes call NC home? Can you tell the difference between a venomous snake and a harmless snake? Matthew Bookout can tell you anything you ever wanted to know about NC’s snakes and other reptiles. He will bring along some of his favorite live animals. His program is sometimes preceded by a live snake feeding. Call the museum for weekly information.
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.
Strap on a virtual reality (VR) headset and watch hundreds of sea turtles emerge from sand, heading toward the beach in our newest VR program, Sea Turtle Quest. This exciting program explores the life cycle of sea turtle including digging a nest, laying eggs, and returning to the sea. Through VR technology, explore a virtual science laboratory that brings the real world into the lab and teaches the process of science. Examine eggshells with a microscope, scale, and other common lab tools. Match the sea turtle tracks to the sea turtle who laid them by examining photos of turtle tracks. Learn why not all baby sea turtles survive and what you can do to protect hatchlings.
The Science in 3D program will feature Sea Turtle Quest on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 1:00 pm through Labor Day. The Science in 3D program is hosted by Education Coordinator Jamie Justice, who will help launch each VR adventure and answer questions about the experience. This program is not recommended for children under 8 or people who experience motion sickness.