Week-long event to include Immersion’s first-ever student ROV competition
This month, venture into the mysterious waters of the ocean and join real-life explorers, such as famed oceanographer Dr. Robert Ballard—all without leaving dry land! Immersion Learning™, a division of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., brings the exciting world of ocean exploration live to Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration and many other Immersion sites across the country April 20–24.
During the week of live Ocean Exploration webcasts, viewers will be able to interact directly with Dr. Ballard and other scientists and engineers involved in a variety of oceanographic research expeditions. Kids watching the programs will also be able to participate in an online question-and-answer session, voting and polling features as they watch young explorers and learn how they can get involved in the world of exploration.
The webcasts will feature recent expeditions to the Aegean Sea off the coast of Turkey, the Black Sea off the coast of Ukraine and the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in Lake Huron, Mich. Audiences will find out how marine archaeologists map and explore shipwrecks using ocean technologies such as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs).
“Previous Immersion broadcasts have allowed audiences to follow scientists on their expeditions as they uncover the secrets of our oceans,” said Dr. Robert Ballard, founder and president of the Institute for Exploration. “The Ocean Exploration webcasts will provide a behind-the-scenes look at how scientists make these discoveries, creating a unique and fascinating experience for viewers.”
“Immersion broadcasts bring science to students and the public in a completely new way, transporting them to a world of groundbreaking technology and unprecedented ocean exploration that they would not otherwise experience,” said Dr. Stephen M. Coan, president and CEO of Sea Research Foundation, Inc. “Just as importantly, Immersion ignites interest and excitement in children, building a foundation for future careers in science, technology, engineering and math.”
The 30-minute live webcasts will take place in the Immersion Theater in the Challenge of the Deep exhibition at the following times:
Monday, April 20: 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.
Tuesday, April 21: 3 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m.
Wednesday, April 22: 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.
Thursday, April 23: noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m.
Friday, April 24: 11 a.m., noon, 1 p.m., 2 p.m., 3 p.m.
In the Immersion Theater, guests will also see a new exhibit called “A New Age of Ocean Exploration,” featuring photographs, maps and information on Okeanos Explorer—NOAA’s ship of exploration—and other ways scientists are exploring our oceans. Okeanos Explorer is the only U.S. ship assigned to systematically explore the ocean for the purpose of discovery and the advancement of knowledge.
In addition to the webcasts and new exhibit, guests can see Immersion’s first-ever student ROV competition. Each day, two student teams from schools and Boys & Girls Clubs around the Northeast will work alongside world-class scientists and engineers as they design, build and test ROVs in the pool in front of the Challenge of the Deep exhibit. The competition will be included in the webcast, allowing viewers across the United States, Mexico and Canada to watch the young explorers compete in a series of challenges.
Guests may experience the Ocean Exploration webcast and ROV competition for free with admission to Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration. Tickets will be available at the front gate on a first-come, first-serve basis, as seating is limited.
The live webcast and competition complement Immersion’s Ocean Exploration multimedia curriculum developed for kids in grades 4 through 8 and designed to inspire young people to be part of the world of marine science, exploration and conservation. Immersion has partnered with the Institute for Exploration and NOAA’s National Marine Sanctuary Program and Office of Ocean Exploration and Research to produce this curriculum and series of broadcasts.
The live webcasts, a detailed broadcast program guide and program resources can also be accessed online at www.immersionpresents.org.
About Immersion Learning™
Immersion Learning™ was founded by Dr. Robert Ballard and Dr. Stephen Coan in 2002. Through live broadcasts from scientific expeditions, hands-on activities and an engaging Web site, this non-profit science education organization brings ocean adventures and discoveries from Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, the University of Rhode Island and the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration to more than 500,000 kids in classrooms, after-school settings, such as Boys & Girls Clubs, and other informal learning arenas each year.
About Sea Research Foundation, Inc.
Mystic Aquarium, Institute for Exploration and Immersion Learning™ are divisions of Sea Research Foundation, Inc., a private, non-profit, charitable organization incorporated in the State of Connecticut. The mission of Sea Research is to inspire people to care for and protect our ocean planet through education, research and exploration.
