Learn about critters that can be found in tide pools along the seashore including sea stars and sea urchins. Museum visitors will also make their own sea urchin craft.
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.
Learn how to be a Beach Hero as two entertaining and enthusiastic members of the Oak Island Beach Preservation Society highlight the key roles beaches play in enriching humans’ lives, preserving plant and animal species, and protecting the environment. Topics will include storm surge protection; marine life and health dangers from beach litter; and beach cleanup, scholarship, and educational programs.
Both Sandbar Lecture co-facilitators live in Oak Island, N.C. and enjoy using their skills, experience, and passion for coastal Carolina beaches to advocate for beach preservation. Co-facilitator Rosina Whitfield is a theatre director and educator, most recently as the Artistic Director of the Drama Center in Greensboro, NC. Co-facilitator Emily Dickinson enjoys finding ways to volunteer in her little piece of paradise.
We will read Sam the Sea Cow by Francine Jacobs. Sam is called a sea cow because he looks like a cow grazing in the ocean, but he’s also called a manatee. Meet Sam when he is just hours old and already forty pounds! Watch him grow up and do a fun manatee craft inspired by Sam.
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.
Do you know how many sharks live off the coast of NC? Find out in this fun, interactive program. Explore the amazing world of sharks and what makes them unique, discuss myths and misconceptions about sharks, and learn “shark smarts” to keep everyone safe while having fun in the sun. Museum visitors will also get to make their own shark jaw.
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.
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.