Youths explore life under water during Port Discover’s Second Saturday Science

LuAnne Pendergraft
April 05, 2010

Elizabeth City, NC – Children will explore the microscopic world of phytoplankton during Plankton Watch, Port Discover’s Second Saturday Science, at 11 a. m. on April 10. Through this interactive hands-on program, Dr. Maille Lyons will teach children how to collect, identify, measure, and analyze plankton samples and environmental data from the Pasquotank River ecosystem. The children will examine and use water testing equipment and will learn why water sampling and examination is important. Plankton Watch is made possible thanks to a grant from the Dominion Educational Foundation.

Second Saturday Science will also feature a reading of a book, &quotDream the Ocean Clean.&quot Dream the Ocean Clean was written by DREAMS scholars, a partnership between Elizabeth City State University, Hampton University and the Virginia Institution of Marine Science to increase participation of underrepresented minority student in environment and marine sciences. DREAMS is an acronym for Diversity in Research in Environmental and Marine Sciences. The program promotes geosciences among underrepresented minority students through education and research. DREAM scholars are mentored by Dr. Maurice Crawford, an assistant professor of biology in the ECSU School of Mathematics Science and Technology Dr. Deidre Gibson, of Hampton University, and Dr. Kam Tang, of the Virginia Institute of Marine Science. Children will each receive a copy of Dream the Ocean Clean.

Second Saturday Science is free, thanks to the program sponsor, Gateway Bank. Reservations are required. Please call 252-338-6117 for registration. 611 E. Main Street, Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Port Discover’s hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. Programs can be arranged at other times for special groups. For more information call 252-338-6117 or visit www.portdiscover.org.