Live animals, engaging activities, costumes and props such as bones and shells bring out the naturalist in everyone. These programs are excellent for small groups as well as auditorium presentations. We also bring our programs to community festivals, church gatherings and any other event you can imagine!
Traveling Touch Tank- (For Festivals and Community Gatherings)
You provide the event; we provide an assortment of local marine invertebrates! Animals in the touch tank will depend on seasonal availability but may include whelks, conchs, urchins, sea stars, hermit crabs, spider crabs, sea squirts, clams and tulip snails. You’ll also see examples of the artificial substrates found in aquarium exhibits. The traveling touch tank exhibit also includes a display of an assortment of biofacts, beachcombers' finds and some of the LARGEST shells you’ve ever seen! (3-6 hours)
Trading Shells
Join a hermit crab on its journey to turn its “plain shell” into a beautiful home. Students enjoy a lively, interactive reading of Eric Carle’s book, A House for Hermit Crab. Through the pages of the book, participants learn about friendship and a variety of undersea invertebrates, before getting hands-on, up-close encounters with the same creatures. The program, perfect for children ages 3 to 6, encourages plenty of imagination and participation.
Life in the Sea
Want to sea what makes ocean habitats amazing? Bring some salty water and big ocean waves into your school! This programs focuses on the larger animals living off the North Carolina coast – whales, sharks and sea turtles. Interactive educational props, costumes and a live sea turtle make this an exciting experience for all. (1-1.5 hours)
Sea Turtle Trails
Sea turtles are some of the oldest, most intriguing and fascinating reptiles on the planet.Explore the
life history and adaptations of these threatened and endangered species.Find out where hatchlings go during their time at sea, and what brings turtles back to the same North Carolina beaches where they hatched. See a loggerhead sea turtle as well as examine sea turtle shells, skulls and other bones. If you want to meet the largest of the sea turtles, we’ll bring along our 10-foot inflatable leatherback! (1-1.5 hours)
Journey Through North Carolina
Take a virtual journey through the great state of North Carolina. Starting with the mountains, participants explore the different habitats and ecosystems of the state, including the Piedmont, coastal plains and eventually ending up at the sea. Program includes live animals and educational props from these habitats. (1-1.5 hours)
Marine Life for Boaters
Learn how to safely interact with marine animals of our local waterways. Participants are introduced to proper “ocean etiquette,” and ways to become stewards of our local waterways. Course topics include sea turtle identification, local marine mammal migration patterns and ways that boaters can contribute their sightings to conservation efforts. This program is designed for boating clubs and community organizations, and is appropriate for all types of boaters and all ages. (30 minutes- 1 hour)
