Land Programs

On the Land-Based Program Form (Adobe PDF file) indicate a first and second choice of the programs to compliment your cruise!

Wetland Workout!

Did you know that fiddler crabs are great workout instructors? Did you know that periwinkle snails “dance”? Come find out as they lead us on an adventure through the salt marsh. We’ll explore the secret life of the marsh and estuary ecosystems by collecting some of the animals and tasting some of the plants that inhabit the area, play games to discover how baby turtles “hurdle” over obstacles to become adults and how baby marine animals find protection, as well as discover why the pluff mud smells so sweet to us!

Rock My World

If you can imagine underwater volcanoes towering higher than Mount Everest and deep holes in the sea floor that go seven miles then this is the activity for you! Using a brightly colored puzzle, interactive CD-ROM and edible activities, students will discover how underwater ridges, volcanoes and other natural features develop. We will explore the movement of the continents and discover how this influenced populations of animals and plants.

Close Encounters of the Intelligent Kind

How are oysters and octopus related? Did you know that the giant squid can reach up to 60-feet long? Come explore two of the most intelligent marine organisms in the ocean: octopus and squid. Think they are just squishy and gross? Think again! Through our in depth study and dissection you will discover how unique they are! Optional calamari eating at the end!

Walk the Plank-ton

Discover the hidden world of floating plants and animals and why these organisms are considered to aimlessly “wander” the ocean. Participants will collect plankton using a plankton net and identify the species abundant in South Carolina waters utilizing microscopes. You and your team will create your own species of plankton and race it for race it for prizes! Will your plankton win the race? Sign up and find out!!!

Something’s Fishy…

Cast your interest and fishing line this way as we explore the exciting world of fish! Join us as we discover the aspects of their body and behavior that make them unique. Find out important conservation methods to keep their populations healthy for the future. Choose from the following:

1. Gyotaku (fish printing): Discover the ancient Asian method of documenting fish size! We will use rubber fish stamps to paint and decorate T-shirts, towels, hats, paper, and other printable materials.
2. Crinkle Can Fish/Bottle Fish: Wait! Don’t throw that soda can or bottle away!! We will use this “trash” to make creative fish for ornaments or other decorative uses!
3. Fish Tales…: “My fish was THIS big”! Learn how to bait and cast a fishing line and throw a cast net as we surf fish. Learn how to correctly identify and measure fish to make sure that you are within the legal South Carolina limits.
   

Friend or Foe?

Did you know that there are over 30 species of sharks off South Carolina’s coast? Students will learn about the different kinds of sharks, shark senses, shark myths, and shark biology through a variety of hands-on demonstrations and activities. Look at fossilized sharks teeth and learn how to determine the size of the shark!

*New!* Enhance the Friend or Foe Program with a spiny dogfish shark dissection! *Note* Dissections are dependent on the number of preserved sharks in stock. If ordering extra sharks is required, at least 2 months advance notice is necessary.

Bird Brains - NEW!

Have you ever wished you knew more about birds, but didn’t know how to get started? If so, then this is your chance! Students will learn how to identify common coastal bird species by sight and sound. The program will also teach students about food webs, the specialized feeding strategies of various coastal birds, and bird migration.