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. Listen to the story of the ancient Maya civilization. Experience Tales of the Maya Skies.
Explore Maya science, art and mythology. Tales of the Maya Skies inspires and educates through its description of the Maya’s astronomical achievements and how astronomy connected them to the Universe.
Strap on a virtual reality (VR) headset and get a 360-degree view of the ocean. Dive with fish, sharks, turtles, and more to learn about these amazing animals and their habitat.
Our Science in 3D exhibit uses a virtual reality mobile classroom to bring this exciting experience to you! Through VR technology, explore a virtual science laboratory that brings the real world into the lab and teaches the process of science. On Mondays and Fridays in the summer, Science in 3D will take you under the sea to explore the ocean and all the unique creatures found within it.
Memorial Day through Labor Day Science in 3D: Ocean Explorer is offered every Monday and Friday at 1:00 pm. The Science in 3D program is hosted by Education Manager 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.
Learn how to read the stars and interpret the winds and waves. Navigate without modern instruments. The film tells the story of the Polynesian Voyaging Society and the recovery of the nearly lost art and science of traditional, non-instrument navigation in Hawaii.
Learn about the diversity of life in the Green Swamp in this CSI program for all ages. The Green Swamp is a local wetland teeming with diverse wildlife. Someone has eaten Ursula the Black Bear’s berry stash. Can you help Ursula and solve the mystery?
Become a wildlife detective by identifying animal tracks, observing the habitat crime scene, and determining differences between reptiles, mammals, and amphibians. Then compile the evidence and find out whodunnit to put your sleuthing skills to the test. Can you find the culprit? Find the food thief by uncovering clues about animal tracks, habitat, and more.
Our Education Manager, 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.
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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 Tuesdays and Thursday at 1:00 pm through Labor Day. The Science in 3D program is hosted by Education Managerr 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.
Plucky, a real-life pelican who was tangled in fishing wire and nearly strangled, was found at the Audubon bird refuge on Battery Island in the Cape Fear River channel near Southport. Hear the rest of Plucky’s story and learn how to keep coastal animals safe through interactive and imaginative animal “rescue” activities.
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.
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.