Children to Observe Microscopic Underwater World at Port Discover

Contact: LuAnne Pendergraft, 252-335-3844, lspendergraft@mail.ecsu.edu
Children to observe underwater world Plankton Watch Set for Second Saturday Science, April 10th at Port Discover
Elizabeth City, NC — Children will explore the microscopic world of phytoplankton during Plankton Watch, Port Discover’s Second Saturday Science, April 10 at 11:00 am. 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, Dream the Ocean Clean. 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. DREAM scholars are mentored by Dr. Maurice Crawford, assistant professor of biology at Elizabeth City State University, Dr. Deidre Gibson, and Dr. Kam Tang. 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, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Programs can be arranged at other times for special groups. For more information call 252-338-6117 or visit www.portdiscover.org.

Port Discover is a community-based, non-profit organization, established to enhance the public’s understanding and enjoyment of science through engaging programs, activities, and exhibits. Elizabeth City State University along with the Elizabeth City Area Chamber of Commerce initiated the project that has attracted broad community support, including Elizabeth City Morning Rotary, College of the Albemarle, Albemarle Hospital, Museum of the Albemarle, Elizabeth City Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Public Schools. Port Discover is also a member of the NC Grassroots Science Museum Collaborative.

* Photo above on the right: Dr. Maille Lyons, science adviser for Port Discover, presents a Plankton Watch program at Weeksville Elementary School.