Events Calendar
For more information or to register for any of these events, please call the Education Office at 772.465.3271 or send an email to smseducation@si.edu.
Upcoming Events
Marine Science in the Morning | Wednesday, March 13"The sound of science: what oyster reefs may be telling us about the environment" presented by Dr. Vincent Encomio of Florida Oceanographic Society
We use the sounds that fish and shrimp produce on oyster reefs to obtain information about the reef, which may convey information about the reef's health and the success of restoration projects. For more information, see the listing under "Ongoing Events at SMEE" below. Advance registration is required as space is limited. Registration open now.
[9:00am - 10:00am | SMEE | FREE with paid admission| Adults]
Research Station Guided Tour | Thursday, March 21Come hear about current research from the scientists themselves! This approximately one hour program provides an introduction to the Smithsonian's work in Florida, a tour of our state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities to speak with our marine scientists. Advance registration is required as space is limited. Please register for this free tour by contacting Laura Diederick.
[2:00pm-3:00pm | SMS | FREE | Ages 16 and up]
Spring Break Camp | Friday, March 22No school? No worries! SMEE is offering a day of sea-soaked fun and learning for your spring-breakers. Campers will enjoy marine science activities at the Aquarium and outdoors including crafts and mangrove exploration. Participants should bring lunch, water shoes, water bottle and sun screen. A snack will be provided. Registration open now.
[9:00am - 2:00pm | SMEE | Members: $15, Non-members: $18| Ages 6-10]
Marine Science in the Morning | Wednesday, March 27"Dolphins of the Bahamas" presented by Dr. Cindy Elliser of Indian River State College
The Wild Dolphin Project has been researching the same pod of spotted and bottlenose dolphins for over 25 years. Come and find out what researchers have learned about these social and intelligent creatures. For more information, see the listing under "Ongoing Events at SMEE" below. Advance registration is required as space is limited. Registration open now.
[9:00am - 10:00am | SMEE | FREE with paid admission| Adults]
Marine Science in the Morning | Wednesday, April 10"Deepwater Oculina Coral Reefs of Florida: Recent Discoveries off Our Coast and Conservation Efforts" presented by John Reed of Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution
This talk will reveal recent exciting discoveries of hundreds of deepwater Oculina coral reefs right off our coast. The speaker helped discover and protect these reefs 35 years ago, but these new discoveries will help these fragile reefs and fisheries for decades to come. The speaker will show the coral and video of these reefs and fish that live there. For more information, see the listing under "Ongoing Events at SMEE" below. Advance registration is required as space is limited. Registration open now.
[9:00am - 10:00am | SMEE | FREE with paid admission| Adults]
Research Station Guided Tour | Thursday, April 18Come hear about current research from the scientists themselves! This approximately one hour program provides an introduction to the Smithsonian's work in Florida, a tour of our state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities to speak with our marine scientists. Advance registration is required as space is limited. Please register for this free tour by contacting Laura Diederick.
[2:00pm-3:00pm | SMS | FREE | Ages 16 and up]
Research Station Guided Tour | Thursday, May 16Come hear about current research from the scientists themselves! This approximately one hour program provides an introduction to the Smithsonian's work in Florida, a tour of our state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities to speak with our marine scientists. Advance registration is required as space is limited. Please register for this free tour by contacting Laura Diederick.
[2:00pm-3:00pm | SMS | FREE | Ages 16 and up]
World Ocean Day Celebration | Saturday, June 8Enjoy learning stations, crafts, face painting, seining demonstrations in the Indian River Lagoon, and other activities all centered around the Earth’s indispensable marine resources. The first 100 children twelve years old and under will receive a free gift bag filled with educational materials. Seining demonstrations will be offered every hour on the hour from 11:00am-2:00pm. The demonstrations will give families the opportunity to get their feet wet (literally!) in the Indian River Lagoon by collecting animals in the same manner as Smithsonian researchers and aquarists! Participants wishing to enter the water must wear protective footwear, such as water shoes or old sneakers, to participate in seining demonstrations and children under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult.
[10:00am-3:00pm | SMEE | FREE with paid admission| All ages]
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Behind-the-Scenes Tour | SaturdayThe Exhibit staff conducts a weekly behind-the-scenes tour of the facility every Saturday at 2:00pm. This insightful tour gives visitors a look at the necessary systems essential to keeping the living ecosystems thriving. Biological, chemical and mechanical filtration systems, lighting systems and chillers and feeding regimens are all explained.
[2:00pm | FREE with paid admission | Recommended ages 10 and up]
Marine Science in the Morning | Wednesday (January-March)Adults and seniors are invited to enjoy a series of six lectures presented by COSEE Florida marine science experts. A different lecture will be featured every two weeks and will highlight current topics in marine science. Arrive early to enjoy coffee and light refreshments before the lecture! Advance registration is required as space is limited.
[9:00am - 10:00am | SMEE | FREE with paid admission| Adults]
FREE DAY | First Tuesday of each MonthCome enjoy free admission to the Exhibit on the first Tuesday of each month! Explore our model ecosystems during our Feeding Frenzy and Snack Time Tours. While we welcome groups on the first Tuesday, we are unable to schedule education programs. Since the first Tuesday of January 2013 is New Year's Day, free day will be observed on January 8, 2013.
Summer Camp 2013
Ocean Discovery Camp | Session I: June 10 - 14 | Session II: July 15-19Campers ages 6 to 8 years old will discover what lives in the ocean and why this vast, watery world is so important to life on Earth. Using the dynamic content of the Ecosystems Exhibit as home-base, campers will gain hands-on experience with marine life of all shapes and sizes in, out of and on the water. Campers should be prepared to spend a significant time outdoors. Registration opens March 1st.
[9:00 AM - 12:00 PM | SMEE | $95 | Ages 6 - 8]Summer Camp Payment and Cancellation Policy
Full payment in the form of a check payable to the Smithsonian Marine Station is required within 10 business days of your camp registration. A 50% refund will be provided for cancellations at least 31 calendar days prior to the first day of camp. No refunds will be provided for cancellations within 30 calendar days prior to the first day of camp.
Ocean Adventures Camp | Session I: June 17 - 21 | Session II: June 24-28 | Session III: July 8-12 ALL SESSIONS ARE FULLMarine-life-loving 9 to 11 year olds will hate to miss this week of ocean fun! Campers will learn all about marine ecosystems by directly interacting with the many diverse habitats located along the Treasure Coast. Kayaking on the Indian River Lagoon, seining in seagrass beds, snorkeling hardbottom habitats and mucking about in the mangroves are just a few of the activities awaiting your camper. Campers should be prepared to spend a significant time outdoors. Registration opens March 1st.
[9:00 AM - 3:00 PM | SMEE | $145 | Ages 9 - 11]Summer Camp Payment and Cancellation Policy
Full payment in the form of a check payable to the Smithsonian Marine Station is required within 10 business days of your camp registration. A 50% refund will be provided for cancellations at least 31 calendar days prior to the first day of camp. No refunds will be provided for cancellations within 30 calendar days prior to the first day of camp. -
Ocean Explorers Camp | July 29 – August 2 THIS SESSION IS FULL!Campers 12 to 14 years old will get a taste of what scientists do to study the ocean - which means spending time in, on and under the water. In addition to fieldtrips including kayaking and snorkeling, campers will experience first-hand some of the technology researchers use to explore our watery world, including building ROVs, remote sensors and more! Campers should be prepared to spend a significant time outdoors. Registration opens March 1st.
[9:00 AM - 3:00 PM | SMEE | $165 | Ages 12 - 14] -
National Estuaries Day Festival | Saturday, September 28, 2013The Smithsonian Marine Station and Ecosystems Exhibit will host the third annual National Estuaries Day Festival at Museum Pointe Park, located between the aquarium and the history center. Live entertainment, vendors, hands-on activities for children, touch tanks, “Meet the Smithsonian Scientist” stations, and demonstrations will all showcase the significant role the Indian River Lagoon plays in our everyday lives. Exhibitors will be on hand to provide information on opportunities to become more engaged with cultural, recreational and educational activities on the IRL.
[10:00am - 3:00pm | Museum Pointe Park| FREE | All ages][ TOP ]
Ongoing Events at SMEE
Feeding Frenzy Tour | Tuesday - SaturdayJoin us Tuesday through Saturday at 10:30am as our underwater residents enjoy their morning meal! A volunteer or staff person will provide information on the Exhibit's daily menu, as well as share stories and provide insight on what makes our constantly changing ecosystems so unique.
[10:30am | FREE with paid admission | All ages]
Snack Time Tour | Tuesday - SundayJoin us every Tuesday through Sunday at 2:30pm as the critters in a select number of our aquaria get a special afternoon snack! Our Education Staff will provide information about animals targeted for feeding each day and answer questions about our dynamic Model Ecosystems.
[2:30pm | FREE with paid admission | All ages]
Summer Camp Payment and Cancellation Policy
Full payment in the form of a check payable to the Smithsonian Marine Station is required within 10 business days of your camp registration. A 50% refund will be provided for cancellations at least 31 calendar days prior to the first day of camp. No refunds will be provided for cancellations within 30 calendar days prior to the first day of camp.
Special Events
Smithsonian Marine Station at Fort Pierce
420 Seaway Drive, Fort Pierce, Florida 34949
Phone 772-462-6220, Fax 772-461-8154
Copyright © 1998-2010 by Smithsonian Marine Station
Send comments to smswebmaster@si.edu
Your Visit
Hours:
Tues-Sat: 10am-4pm
Sun: 12-4pm
Mon (Jan-Mar): 10am-4pm
(Closed Mon, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day)
Admission:
Seniors 55+: $3.00
Adults: $4.00
Children 4-17: $3.00
Group rates available with advanced notice.
Event registration:
To register for programs or for more information, call 772.465.3271 or email the Education Office.
Location:
South Hutchinson Island in Fort Pierce, Florida, just off Highway A1A on the east side of the south causeway bridge
420 Seaway Drive
Fort Pierce, FL 34949
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