“Dive In” to the Mysteries of the Ocean at Adventure Science Center

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Adventure Science Center

Jul 02, 2018, 08:00 ET

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (PRWEB) July 02, 2018 -- Adventure Science Center is kicking off its new Super Science Saturday events by bringing guests a day full of hands-on activities, live science demonstrations, interactive games and community-sponsored entertainment exploring subjects in Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) in memorable ways that will inspire a life-long love of science for kids of every age.

This July 7 from 10am to 4pm, guests can “Dive In” to hands-on explorations in Marine Biology that are fun for the whole family. From discovering the layers of the deepest oceans to meeting real-life marine animals, this event will ring in the summer season with wet and wild science.

Adventure Science Center will also play host to an Ocean Discovery Lecture Series featuring Dr. Sarah Feakins, an Associate Professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Southern California who has worked on deep sea drilling cores for the past 15 years. Her talk will focus on how the waxy molecules coating plant leaves provide dramatic illustration of the sensitivity of ecosystems to climate change. Guests can meet Dr. Feakins, hear about her research, and ask questions in this special talk at 1pm in Jack Wood Hall.

ACTIVITIES (included with admission):

  • Into the Depths – Explore the different zones of the open sea and find out more about how each “layer” is a unique habitat for different marine creatures.
  • Simple Animals – Come see and touch the “simple” invertebrates of the sea – sponges and corals – and learn how these not-so-intricate animals live in and interact with their watery world.
  • Recycled Boats?! – In an effort to reduce our plastic pollution and show a fun and unique way to recycle, members of our Youth Cr3w program built a functioning boat out of plastic bottles. Come check out this unique project and learn some engineering tips from the boat-builders themselves.
  • Scale of a Whale – See how your own “fins” size up against the largest mammal of the sea with our custom-built model of a whale fin.
  • Ocean Animal Investigation – Stop by our dissection cart with specimens from the lab and learn all about the biology and organ systems of squid, dogfish sharks and starfish.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS & PRESENTATIONS (included with admission):

  • The Aquarium Restaurant (10am – 1pm) – Our friends from The Aquarium Restaurant are bringing their live touch tank to give us an up close look at marine animals.
  • Ocean Discovery Lecture: Dr. Sarah Feakins (1pm) – For over 20 years, the Ocean Discovery Lecture Series (formerly the Distinguished Lecturer Series) has brought the remarkable scientific results and discoveries of the International Ocean Discovery Program and its predecessor programs to academic research institutions, museums, and aquaria. Since 1991, over 1,000 presentations to diverse audiences have been made through the Lecture Series. Join us in Jack Wood Hall to learn more from Dr. Sarah Feakins about her research.

ADD-ON LABS ($10 for members; $12.50 for not-yet-members):

  • Level 1: Starfish & Clam (Introductory @ 11am) – This lab is ideal for first-time lab attendants. Investigate the arms of the starfish and the inside of a clam while discussing how these animals survive in ocean environments. Procedure will require the use of dissection scissors.
  • Level 2: Squid (Intermediate @ 1pm) – This lab requires some familiarity with a dissection lab environment. Dissect a squid while investigating the characteristics that help squid interact with their environment. Procedure will require the use of dissection scissors, probe, and tweezers.
  • Level 3: Dogfish Shark (Advanced @ 2:30pm) – Learners should be comfortable with a dissection lab environment and able to handle scalpels. In this lab, we will locate, identify and dissect external and internal parts of the shark, investigating its intricate organ systems. Procedure will require use of scalpel, dissection scissors, probe and tweezers.

Add-on labs must be purchased in conjunction with membership or general admission to Adventure Science Center. Registration is available at http://www.AdventureSci.org/Dissections.

Guests may also add on a showing of Sudekum Planetarium’s special presentation, Great White Shark. Standard rates apply for this returning favorite that gives a fully immersive look at the ocean’s most misunderstood predator. Recommended for ages six and up, this incredible story explores this mythic creature’s place in our imaginations and the reality of its role at the top of the oceanic food chain. All shows run approximately 30 minutes with showings available at 11:30am and 2:30pm.

About Adventure Science Center
For more than 70 years, Adventure Science Center has been bringing science to life for students, teachers and families in Middle Tennessee and across the U.S. The Science Center offers engaging learning experiences and science fun through hands-on, interactive exhibits; innovative programs; and fulldome productions in state-of-the-art Sudekum Planetarium. Adventure Science Center strives to open every mind to the wonders of science and technology, fostering a better understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Adventure Science Center is located at 800 Fort Negley Blvd. in Nashville.

For more information about the event, visit AdventureSci.org/SuperScienceSaturdays or call Molly Hornbuckle, Interim Director of Marketing and Communications, at (615) 669-5094.

Molly Hornbuckle, Adventure Science Center, http://www.AdventureSci.org, +1 (615) 669-5094, [email protected]