Hatfield’s marine science day Saturday kicks off series of family, youth education programs

A boatload of sea-centered events are coming to the Hatfield Marine Science Center this spring and summer. From behind-the-scenes tours to hands-on experiments, Hatfield has somethings for kids, teens and families, centered around its campus at 2030 S.E. Marine Science Drive.

The annual Hatfield Marine Science Day is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 11, which is a combination annual science fair and open house. The free, family-friendly event features several behind-the-scenes tours, a mini “Big Blue” film festival, and over 40 marine science exhibits from research programs based at Hatfield.

“Artificial Ocean Intelligence and its Role in Human-Nature Connection” will be the topic of a keynote address. Hatfield-based researchers will be on hand to share their work and answer questions. And, a “Sounds of the Sea” program explores bioacoustics, with a game for all ages to identify underwater sounds.

For more information, go to Hatfield’s website.

Hatfield’s annual Spring Career Day is 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 15.

Aimed at high school students, the event includes connections with professionals in science, technology, engineering, math programs, along with hands-on activities and behind-the-scenes tours of Hatfield’s labs. The cost is $30 per student. For more information and to register, visit this website.

Hatfield is also hosting a “family fun” series on select summer Fridays (and one Thursday) beginning in June as it offers a two-hour combination of lab and field experiences. Locations will be at the center and at Seal Rock State Recreation Site.

Cost is $15 per participant (ages four and above) per program. While pre-registration is encouraged, “day of” registrations will be accepted as space allows. Each program is for all ages; younger children may need extra assistance. For more details, and to register, visit this website.

Series topics and dates are:

• Tidepool exploration at Seal Rock State Recreation Site, Thursday, June 18, 9-11 a.m.;
• Squid dissection and printing at Hatfield, Friday, June 26, 1-3 p.m.;
• Coastal explorations at Hatfield, Friday, July 10, 1-3 p.m.;
• Tidepool exploration at Seal Rock State Recreation Site, Friday, July 17, 9-11 a.m.;
• Underwater robot design challenge at Hatfield, Friday, July 31, 1-3 p.m.; and
• Speedy Science at Hatfield Friday, Aug 14, 1-3 p.m.