Jump in without getting wet and learn more about science under the sea

Do you know what common household items come from seaweed, or what sand is made of? If you’d like to know the answers to these questions and more, Southern Cross University’s National Marine Science Centre can help.

As part of National Science Week, the National Marine Science Centre will be hosting ‘Science under the Sea’, featuring three days of hands-on activities, guest seminars and presentations from August 15 to 17.

Event organiser Mr Stephan Soule said the event was designed to promote a greater understanding of the marine environment, and to highlight the diverse range of research being undertaken at the National Marine Science Centre. All members of the public are invited to participate.

Among the activities will be:
‘The acid test – ocean acidification’: This activity will explore the effects of climate change and ocean acidification on ocean communities through a display stand and presentations by researchers at the NMSC. Participants will gain an understanding of the processes at work and have the opportunity to observe effects on organisms due to ocean acidification by digital microscopic observation.

‘Kelp in your cupboard': Participants will investigate the importance of seaweeds in our everyday lives through a ‘hands-on’ display which identifies common household items that rely on these products.

‘Fish for the future’: This activity will allow visitors to gain an understanding of the plight of the wild fisheries and the growing interest in farming fish and other aquatic organisms to assisting in providing protein to the ever expanding world population. This will be accomplished using an informational display, as well as a guided tour through the NMSC’s aquaculture facility.

‘Keeping the Coast’: This activity allows participants to gain an understanding of coastal processes by taking part in a field excursion. Participants will use scientific equipment and procedures to investigate dune systems and gain an understanding of coastal dynamics and coastal zone management.

Science under the Sea will be held at the National Marine Science Centre, Charlesworth Drive, Coffs Harbour. It will be launched by the state member for Coffs Harbour Mr Andrew Fraser at 10am on Monday, August 15 with activities running each day from 10.30am to 4pm, August 15 to 17.

'Science under the Sea' is brought to you by National Science Week, an Australian Government initiative. Information is available from the website http://scu.edu.au/nmsc or phone 6648 3918.

Photo: Science under the Sea will feature a range of hands-on activities at Southern Cross University's National Marine Science Centre.

Media are invited to attend the launch. Contact: Brigid Veale, Southern Cross University, head of Communications and Publications, 02 66593006 or 0439 680 748.