Oceanography

In the “Making Waves” tour, kids and adults will be introduced to marine plankton and encouraged to think critically about what makes them unique and important in providing much of our oxygen and key players at the base of the marine food web. This event will include the JCVI Mobile BioLab, a modified motor coach, outfitted with advanced laboratory equipment. We will have multiple types of microscopes onboard enabling participants to visualize the microscopic work of marine phytoplankton.

The Goldstone Apple Valley Radio Telescope Project (GAVRT) is a partnership between NASA, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and the Lewis Center for Educational Research, a K-12 Charter School in Apple Valley, California. GAVRT trains educators on the basics of radio astronomy, technical topics pertinent to the project’s science observation campaigns, and telescope operations. Once trained, educators schedule time on the radio telescope for their class to collect data on a strong radio source.

DIY STEAM Project (TBD)

Guests will test, build, and design their own Cartesian diver using principles of buoyancy in relation to fish. They will be able to define and understand the concept of buoyancy, explain how a fish moves up and down in the water column, and engage in the scientific process. The activity will have fish and shark diagrams to show how these animals stay buoyant, bins filled with water to test buoyancy of "divers", and the opportunity for guests to design and test their own cartesian divers.

As part of our commitment to education, the National Marine Mammal Foundation participates in outreach efforts at local San Diego schools and public events. By educating children and the community about our exciting marine mammal discoveries, we hope to inspire future generations. We will offer hands on STEM demonstrations involving sound, effects of water pollution, and echolocation. We also have fun interactive games where participants can learn about marine mammal biology and win prizes.

There will be interactive displays explaining the waste water cycle, and the City's ocean monitoring program. For example, the "down the drain game" teaches children what not to put down "the drain", and on the marine biology side, they can operate an ocean water sampler and examine preserved specimens of marine animals. The goal is to educate people about the waste water treatment process and remind them that what they do at home affects ocean life and the natural environment.

The SDIC BSA STEM Committee and membership committee will have a hands on STEM activity to promote Scouting and our Nova/Supernova awards

This booth will focus on ways to extend the core day curriculum by engaging students in learning about identification, behavior, and maintenance of fish species as well as reptiles and amphibians. Students will share about opportunities to participate in feedings, hands-on lab maintenance and set up tanks, and will explain the process of receiving training necessary to earn a pet shop certification. They will also share opportunities to network with scientists and members of the pet industry.

Display of information of our various programs and some sample make and take projects. Slime hands-on make and take activity provided.