Date: Sat Aug 15, 1:00 PM CDT - Sat Aug 15, 4:00 PM CDT
Category:
- STEM
Level:
- Brownies,
- Juniors,
- Cadettes,
- Seniors,
- Ambassadors,
- Volunteers
Girl Scouts are invited aboard the 34-foot Miss Peetsy B for a fun coastal adventure with experienced marine educators. They'll explore local habitats, discover marine life, and learn from experts about the coastal ecosystem and the tiny world of plankton.
This three-hour bayou tour includes hands-on learning in floating classrooms, waterfront classrooms, and laboratories-perfect for girls who love to explore and discover.
The first 90 minutes: Marsh exploration and coastal discovery
- Tour a marsh habitat and discover what makes this coastal environment so special.
- Collect and identify marsh organisms by trawling for a close-up look at life in the bayou.
- Talk about how development can impact the coastal environment and why conservation matters.
- Spot and identify coastal birds that call the area home.
- Learn about the Mississippi Sound, including Deer Island, the Barrier Islands, and estuaries.
The second 90 minutes: Plankton, water science, and hands-on lab fun
- Collect plankton by pulling a plankton net through the water.
- Gather water samples for testing and observation.
- Take part in an engaging lesson all about plankton and why they matter.
- Use microscopes to identify plankton up close in the lab.
- Perform water quality tests and learn what they reveal about coastal health.
Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m. at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory's Marine Education Center in Ocean Springs, MS. Bring bug spray, sunscreen, and a reusable/refillable water bottle (no single-use plastic water bottles). Please dress according to the weather and wear closed-toed shoes. Remember that we will be around water, so wear or bring items you are okay with getting a little wet. All attendees must complete a waiver. A copy of the waiver and a photo release will be attached to your registration confirmation in the "My Events" tab of your MYGS account. This is not a drop-off event. All participants must be in proper girl-to-adult ratio. If you need assistance registering, please contact Kyna McCalpin at 601-326-5648 or kmccalpin@gsgms.org.
