Marine Science Fest

About the Event

Join us for Marine Science Fest February 15-17. This Presidents’ Day weekend, enjoy fun-filled educational activities and learn about local environmental programs from community partners including Eckerd College Marine Science Club, Eckerd College Shark Science Club, University of Tampa Roots and Shoots Club and Keep Pinellas Beautiful.

Activities will include:

• Underwater volcano demonstrations
• Dolphin dorsal fin matching game
• Marine keystone species jenga game
• Blubber mitt activity (experience the insulating protection of dolphin/whale blubber!)
• Scientific demonstrations, crafts and experiments
• And more!

Saturday Feb. 15
Eckerd College Marine Science Club

• Learn about the impact single-use plastics & microplastics have on the ocean. Participate in a sand sifting activity & observe microplastic samples with the Eckerd research team!

Eckerd College Shark Science Club

• Examine & interact with a variety of preserved Elasmobranch specimens (sharks, dogfish, rays, etc.). Learn more about the club’s participation in a shark tagging program to better inform the public about shark biology and shark fishing!

University of Tampa Roots and Shoots Club

• Learn more about the newly formed Florida Gulf Coast Hope Spot, created to preserve our local waterways from future destruction. Take part in making educational materials focused on restoration and sustainable use of the land and water in the area for local schools and aquariums!

Sunday Feb. 16
University of Tampa Roots and Shoots Club

• Learn more about the newly formed Florida Gulf Coast Hope Spot, created to preserve our local waterways from future destruction, as well as the impact microplastics have as they enter and migrate in the ocean. Take part in making educational materials focused on restoration and sustainable use of the land and water in the area for local schools and aquariums!

Monday Feb. 17
Keep Pinellas Beautiful

• Learn about the impact litter and marine debris have on the environment & local wildlife. Participate in a “trash search” activity to remove as much trash as possible from a sandy beach!

Dr. Murphy’s lab from USF

• Learn about high speed cameras and how they are used to study various flow-related oceanic phenomenona, including zooplankton swimming like sea butterflies (pteropods) and bubbles bursting on the sea surface. See a display of high speed videos, including a live demonstration with a high speed camera!