CBNERR Public Programs
Community outreach is a priority for the CBNERR Education Department. Reserve staff provide environmental programs at Estuaries Day and Marine Science Day, as well as offering a Discovery Lab series open to the public on various marine science topics.
Discovery Labs
The Discovery Lab series provides fun, family-friendly experiences and lifelong learning. Each lab focuses on a specific topic through a series of stations that provide hands-on activities for kids and adults. Participants look through microscopes, observe live animals, partake in crafts and games, and view research posters. Both VIMS faculty and students participate as speakers, sharing their research with the general public in an intimate setting.
2025 Dates and Topics
- January 15: Swimming With Sharks
- February 19: Tales from Turtles
- March 19: Marine Fossils: Histories that Rock!
- April 15: Plastic Oceans and Marine Debris
- September 17: Aquaculture featuring AquaCo.
- October 15: Mad Lab
Registration is required for all labs. Registration will open in December for the first lab.
Time and Place
- Discovery Labs typically take place on the third or fourth Wednesday of each month.
- The labs run from 6-8:00pm, starting with exploration of the lab, the speaker at 6:30pm, and then more lab exploration.
- The labs will take place on the VIMS campus in Gloucester Point, at the Catlett-Burress Education Lab.
Audience
Discovery Labs are appropriate for all ages.
Cost
Discovery Labs are free.
Contact
Contact Anna Caputo, arcaputo@vims.edu for more information.