VIMS FREE Discovery Lab
Virginia Institute of Marine Science Discovery Lab
Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) is one of the leading marine research & education centers in the U.S. VIMS is located on the York River in Gloucester Point, VA.
Discovery Labs are free, family-friendly programs provided each month by the Chesapeake Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (CBNERR) at VIMS.
Designed with elementary-aged youth and their parents in mind, each lab focuses on a different topic related to the Chesapeake Bay and local environment and includes exhibits, demonstrations, and hands-on activities as well as a short presentation (from 6:30-7:00 PM) by an expert on the topic.
Labs:
During this lab, Dr. Rowan Lockwood, Associate Professor of Geology at William & Mary and fossil expert, will help us explore common fossils found in the Chesapeake Bay. This is free but space is limited, register here
Mollusks are soft-bodied invertebrates, most of which have a hard shell. Slugs, snails, octopuses, squids, clams, oysters, and mussels are all types of mollusks. Mollosks are incredibly fascinating animals and play a very important role in the ecosystems they inhabit. During this lab, we will explore all things mollusk! Participants will be able to observe and touch live mollusks as well as other organisms that interact with mollusks in the environment, such as fishes and crabs that live on oyster reefs. Samantha Askin, graduate student at VIMS, will help us understand the importance of mollusks in the Chesapeake Bay and how human activity impacts these animals. This is free but space is limited, register here
The coast is where the land meets the sea. It is a fascinating ecosystem to explore and one that is heavily impacted by human activity. During this lab, we will be taking a look at the biodiversity found along the coastline as well as the geology of the coastline and the physical processes that work to create and continually reshape our coasts. Amanda Guthrie, a graduate student at VIMS, will help us understand how truly amazing the coastal environment is and how we can help protect and preserve these valuable habitats. This is free but space is limited, register here
VIMS – Catlett-Burruss Research and Education Lab
7577 Spencer Road
Gloucester Point, VA 23062
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