Marine Touch Tanks at UCSB: Great For the Grandchildren
Posted by Sue on:
On our walk yesterday around the lagoon at UCSB we noticed an open door at the Marine Science Institute's Research Experience Education Facility perched on a bluff above the ocean. Luckily, an undergraduate student/docent Kevin shared with us all the treasures of the touch tank. We felt the textures and noticed reactions of starfish, sea cucumber, mollusks, and anemones. We learned about lobsters, crabs, sharks and even observed tropical fish tanks.
This August ground will be broken at UCSB for the new Ocean Science Education Building which will house state-of-the-art interactive exhibits.
According to director Steven Gaines, "students of all ages...(will be able to) explore the riches of the ocean and help solve its global challenges." Exhibits will include a virtual dive, the magic planet (revealing among others: the patterns of ocean currents over time and global warming scenarios), an immersive digital theater and a hands-on study aquarium.
Until then don't miss the current touch tanks, free and open on Fridays and Saturdays for a couple of hours.
Call (805) 893-8765 or email outreach@msi.ucsb.edu for more information.
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