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 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.
Join scientists who are investigating the boundary between our Solar System and the rest of our galaxy in IBEX: Search for the Edge of the Solar System.
Designed for visitors with an appreciation for the challenges of space science and a desire to learn more about science research, the show follows the creation of NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX). Audiences will get an in-depth look at the mission and how IBEX is collecting high-speed atoms to create a map of our Solar System’s boundary.
Narrated by two inquisitive teenagers, audiences will hear from the scientists and engineers that developed the IBEX mission and created the spacecraft, and get the latest updates on the mission’s discoveries.
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.
Join scientists who are investigating the boundary between our Solar System and the rest of our galaxy in IBEX: Search for the Edge of the Solar System.
Designed for visitors with an appreciation for the challenges of space science and a desire to learn more about science research, the show follows the creation of NASA’s Interstellar Boundary Explorer (IBEX). Audiences will get an in-depth look at the mission and how IBEX is collecting high-speed atoms to create a map of our Solar System’s boundary.
Narrated by two inquisitive teenagers, audiences will hear from the scientists and engineers that developed the IBEX mission and created the spacecraft, and get the latest updates on the mission’s discoveries.
Discover the treasures of the tides while learning about shells, shark teeth, and more. This engaging program covers beach friendly shell practices, finding tidal treasures, and how to keep the beach safe for local wildlife, including human visitors. Dig through real sand to see what you can find and review best beach practices. Sand Scavengers includes a fun craft along with ID resources for shells and shark teeth to help with your beach treasure hunts.
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.
Learn about the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center’s tireless efforts to conserve and protect sea turtles through nest and hatchling monitoring; rescue, rehabilitation, and release of stranded sea turtles; and education as the Center celebrates its 25th anniversary. The Sandbar Lecture is presented by Sandbar Lecture presenter Kathy Zagzebski, the Executive Director of the Karen, Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center in Surf City. Sea turtles are iconic to North Carolina’s coast, captivating tourists and residents alike. These ancient reptiles depend on North Carolina’s extensive sandy beaches to lay their eggs, and on productive estuaries and coastal habitats to forage. We’ll discuss dangers that threaten sea turtles and what everyone can do to help them.
Previously, Zagzebski served as President and Executive Director of the National Marine Life Center in Massachusetts, Stranding Department Manager at The Marine Mammal Center in California, and Program Manager at the Georgia Coastal Management Program. Kathy graduated magna cum laude from Augustana College and received her master’s degree from Duke University.
The Sandbar Lecture Series brings local experts to speak
about topics ranging from our coastal environment to Outer Banks history. Sandbar
lectures are free with Museum admission.
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.
Learn how to prepare your home and family for storms ahead of hurricane season by building an emergency preparedness kit. This lesson is followed by an exciting virtual reality mobile classroom experience: flying inside Hurricane Maria. Strap on a pair of Oculus Quest virtual reality goggles and become immersed in this unique environment.
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. 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.