Mobile Aquatic Exhibitions Delivered “Fin-credible” Experiences
Mobile Aquatic Exhibits were brought to multiple locations in Ripley County this past week as part of Genesis: Pathways to Success’ A Summer of STREAM (Science, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Art, & Mathematics) initiative. Led by the Newport Aquarium’s WAVE Foundation, the mobile programming featured two different aquatic animals and explained how everyone can play a role in each creature’s conservation.
With the mission, “to excite, engage, and educate the community about the wonders of aquatic life and the importance of conservation,” the WAVE Foundation brought science alive in Ripley County over the course of two days and impacted approximately 250 individuals. Coral Cat Sharks were exhibited at the Bridge of Hope Worship Center on July 21st, and Yellow StingRays were exhibited at Liberty Park in Batesville and the Ripley County Fairgrounds on July 22nd.
“Not many individuals are fully aware of the similarities and differences between these two fascinating creatures, and any way that we can expand programming outreach about marine life is just one of the ways we can play a role in their conservation,” stated Clarice Patterson, Director of Genesis: Pathways to Success. Patterson further stated, “For example, did you know that Yellow StingRays are a type of fish, and Coral Cat Sharks lay eggs? You just learned something new, and you can play a role in their conservation by relaying these facts to someone else. It’s a win-win concept.”
Attendees of the mobile aquatic exhibitions learned about each animal’s survival methods, the habitat at which they live in, and closely related species, in addition to the animal’s diet and body shape. This interactive experience was followed by an experiential learning opportunity. Attendees had the chance to touch the sharks and stingrays.
Kylie Werner, Ripley County 4-H Board Member and an attendee of the stingray exhibition, said, “Hosting the WAVE Foundation’s mobile Ray Cart was a fabulous addition to the Ripley County 4-H Fair because it gave many adults and children the opportunity to interact with creatures that aren’t native to rural Southeastern Indiana. Allowing attendees to touch the stingrays provided an intriguing learning opportunity that left everyone feeling exhilarated.”
To help kick off Ocean Week in Ripley County, the Gibson Theater in Batesville provided a free, ocean-related movie on Tuesday, July 19th. Viewers watched Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.