Plan a field trip to the MSC and provivde your students with a unique opportunity to learn about and protect their environment.

To provide an innovative learning experience where visitors can discover, enjoy and appreciate the many wonders that embody the world of marine science in Volusia County.

Our school field trips several different program choices that can accommodate students in grades K-12. Field trips are not offered June 1st through August 14th when Summer Camp is in session.  Our school field trip programs are listed below.

Marine Science Center Exhibit Tour

Students will be guided on a tour of the Marine Science Center (MSC) focusing on Volusia County's ecosystems and MSC’s rehabilitation efforts. Your field trip will be led by educators to explore and learn about the reptiles in the classroom, the rehabilitating sea turtle on Turtle Terrace, Raptor Row residents, and the Exhibit Gallery. Groups can choose to have gift shop time, if your group picks that option, to take home a keepsake and memory of your visit.

Marine Science Center Exhibit Tour and Eco Walk

Your students or group will enjoy the Exhibit Tour outlined above. Then your group can choose to have lunch (not provided) in the amphitheater, or in the park next to the lighthouse (size of group and weather are determining factors for location). After lunch our educator’s will meet your group and take them on an interpretive journey to explore the Coastal Hammock, Dune, and Beach Ecosystems, with amazing views of the ocean in hopes of spying some native animals and plants. 

 

Raptors Live

This program offers inspiring ways to learn about birds of prey and the MSC Rehabilitation Hospital. A live Raptor presentation will be given to your group showcasing one of the MSC’s non releasable raptors. With this up-close and personal experience, the group will learn about the birds’  unique attributes and ways they have adapted to hunting prey and surviving in their natural habitats. Students will also learn about the threats our native raptors face and how they can become stewards to their environment. Afterwards, your group will complete a hands-on owl pellet dissection. Then students will explore the MSC gallery, stingray touch tank, and sea turtle rehabilitation hospital from the viewing platform and visit the gift shop (optional).

Squid Dissection

Squid dissection allows students to explore structural adaptations and the relationship between form and function. Working in groups, students dissect a squid while examining its external and internal anatomy and learning how its adaptations support survival in the marine environment. Students also develop basic laboratory skills and can write with the squid’s pen and ink.

Following the dissection, students explore the MSC exhibits and learn about sea turtle and bird rehabilitation, with an optional visit to the gift shop.

                                                                          

                                   
Estuary Program 

Through hands-on, in-water activities, students explore the Indian River Lagoon including the fish, birds, plants, and other wildlife that live in the estuary and learn about their important roles in the environment. Students practice the technique of seine netting, to collect and study organisms living in this brackish-water habitat.

Students will also learn about ecosystems and the roles of both biotic (living) and abiotic (nonliving) components. After the outdoor program, your group can add the option to explore the MSC and visit the gift shop, time permitting.

• Location and directions  [PDF]
• School Trip Frequently Asked Questions [PDF]

Field Trip questions can be addressed to Shell Webster: MSCEDU@volusia.org.