For more information or to register for any of these events, please contact Laura Diederick at 772-465-3271 or diederick@si.edu.

April
Spring Break Camp| April 4, 2008
No school? No worries! SMEE is offering several hours of sea-soaked fun and learning for your spring-breakers. Participants should bring water shoes, water bottle, sun screen and a lunch. A snack will be provided. Advance registration is required, as space is limited. Registration open now.
[10:00 AM - 3:00 PM |SMEE | $20 | Ages 6-10]

Research Station Guided Tour | April 17, 2008
Come 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 about their work. Advance registration is required as space is limited. Registration open now.
[2:00 - 3:00 PM | SMS | FREE | Recommended for ages 16 and up]

Earth Day Beach Clean-up| April 19, 2008
Celebrate Earth Day by pitching in to beautify our beach! We'll meet on the front porch of SMEE and spread out along the waterway. Afterwards, participants can enjoy FREE ADMISSION to the Ecosystems Exhibit as a reward for a job well done! Garbage bags and recycling containers will be provided. Please bring water, sun screen and gloves.
[8:00 - 10:00 AM | SMEE | FREE | All ages]

May
Teacher Workshop - How to Cold-read a Fish| May 10, 2008
EXCLUSIVELY for St. Lucie County Teachers! participants will be able to speak knowledgably about almost any of the 25,000 known species of fish after attending this workshop. Come see what the underwater world has to offer your students at this hands-on workshop. Advance registration is required as space is limited. Registration open now.
[8:00 AM - 12:00 PM | SMEE | FREE | St. Lucie County Teachers]

Research Station Guided Tour| May 15, 2008
Please see description for April 17th tour. Registration open now.
[2:00 - 3:00 PM | SMS | FREE | Suggested ages: 16 and up]

Breakfast with the Animals| May 17, 2008
Did you know that 2008 is the International Year of the Reef? Or that Florida is the only state in the contiguous U.S. to have substantial reef formations? Com learn all about this amazing and imperiled underwater ecosystem. Participants will enjoy a deluxe continental breakfast, an interactive educational program and an opportunity to see our morning feedings. Advance registration is required, as space is limited. Registration open now.
[8:30 - 10:00 AM | SMEE | $10/child, $12/adult| All ages]

June
World Ocean Day Celebration| June 7, 2008
Have you thanked the ocean recently? Today is the day to start! The ocean provides us with oxygen, food, medicine and MUCH more! Come celebrate the wonders of our blue planet with hands-on activities, touch tank demonstrations, guided tours, interactive displays and giveaways. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to help you make every day Ocean Day!
[10:00 AM - 3:00 PM| SMEE | FREE with paid admission | All ages]

Ocean Discovery Camp| June 16-20, 2008
Campers 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 31 and closes June 6.
[9:00 AM - 12:00 PM | SMEE | $85 | Ages 6-8]

Research Station Guided Tour | June 19, 2008
Please see April17th program description. Registration open now.
[2:00 - 3:00 PM | SMS | FREE | Suggested ages: 16 and up]

Ocean Adventures Camp| June 23-27, 2008
Marine-life-loving 9 to 12 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 found on the Treasure Coast. Kayaking on the Indian River Lagoon, seining in seagrass beds, and mucking about the mangroves are just a few of teh activities awaiting your camper. Campers should be prepared to spend a significant time outdoors. Registration opens March 31 and closes June 6.
[9:00 AM - 3:00 PM | SMEE | $125 | Ages 9-12]

July
Ocean Explorers Camp| July 14-19, 2008
Campers 13 to 15 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 exploring the sights and sounds of the Ecosystems Exhibit, campers will participate in field trips including kayaking and snorkeling, and should be prepared to spend a significant time outdoors. Please Note: We strongly recommend that campers bring their own snorkeling equipment. If your child does not own equipment, please let us know and we may be able to assist you. Registration opens March 31 and closes July 3.
[9:00 AM - 3:00 PM| SMEE | $145 | Ages 13-15]

August
Families in the Field - Seagrasses | August 9, 2008
We will start with an indoor introduction at the Exhibit and then head outside to our field location where we'll use a variety of sampling techniques to discover what's living amongst the seagrasses! participants should be prepared to get a wet and dirty. Please bring towels, sunscreen, water and water shoes/old sneakers. Anyone wearing open-toed shoes will not be able to participate in field activities. Registration opens July 1.
[8:30 - 10:00 AM | SMEE | $6 | Ages 6 and up]

Research Station Guided Tour | August 21, 2008
Please see April 17th program description. Registration open now.
[2:00 - 3:00 PM | SMS | FREE | Suggested ages: 16 and up]

Please Note: Our September - December calendar will be available online and in print in August 2008. If you would like to be added to our Events Notification List, please email Laura Diederick at diederick@si.edu.

Ongoing Events
Exhibit Gallery Tours
Join us every Tuesday at 2:00 PM for a tour of our six model ecosystem diplays lead by Exhibit staff. We'll share stories and provide insight on what makes our constantly changing ecosystems so unique. Be prepared to ask questions and share your observations during this informal presentation. Admission to the Exhibit is free on Tuesdays and there is no cost for the tour.
[All ages. Max 10 people. 45 minutes. Tuesday, 2:00 PM]

Behind-the-scenes Tours
The Exhibit staff conducts a weekly behind-the-scenes tour of the facility every Saturday at 2:00 PM. 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 regimes are all explained. Behind-the-scenes tours are free with the price of admission.
[Suggested ages 10 and up. Max 10 people. 45 minutes. Saturday, 2:00 PM]

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