Ecology

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Boz Institute

1. Transform the agave plant into a DNA sequence and explore biodiversity of closely related plants. 2. Tiny translucent worms may hold answers to human health and longevity. Observe them under the microscope and find out why. 3. Sea urchins and fish have much in common with humans. Observe egg fertilization and early embryo development of purple urchin and zebrafish. 4. Gender differences affect decision making. Identify female and male fruit flies and learn why they scientists study them.

Clean Water Warriors

Explore nature nestled right in the heart of Mission Valley! This special event will include lots of opportunities for kids to practice hands-on science, learn about nearby nature, and share their new knowledge with the community. Kids will get to skim for plankton samples and analyze them, collect river water samples and test the water quality, and go on a guided nature walk along the San Diego River! This hands-on learning opportunity is a great way for the whole family to get outdoors and get to know our region’s namesake waterway!

League of Extradordinary Scientists and Enginneers and J Craig Venter Institute

In the “Making Waves” tour, kids and adults will be introduced to marine plankton and encouraged to think critically about what makes them unique and important in providing much of our oxygen and key players at the base of the marine food web. This event will include the JCVI Mobile BioLab, a modified motor coach, outfitted with advanced laboratory equipment. We will have multiple types of microscopes onboard enabling participants to visualize the microscopic work of marine phytoplankton.

Hike Eagle Peak Preserve & Practice Citizen Science!

This is your chance to be one of the few lucky people to explore the beautiful open space of Eagle Peak Preserve, a 1152 acre conservation area owned by the San Diego River Park Foundation! This area is normally not open to the public, but for River Kids Discovery Days, we will be taking a special group on a guided hike of this special space! Take in the breathtaking views of the San Diego River Gorge, explore the expansive open space, and practice citizen science!

Coastal Habitat Restoration - at the beach!

You can help save one of the last Coastal Dune Habitats in San Diego! This special ecological area at the mouth of the San Diego River is home to threatened and endangered plant and animal species. Join the Friends of the San Diego River Mouth for family-friendly conservation activities; including invasive plant removal, native plant watering, trail maintenance and litter removal. Your work will help to keep this special place beautiful for visitors and maintain native habitats for birds and other animals. An educational walking tour will be included.

EXPLORE & DISCOVER MORE!

EcoVivarium Living Museum will offer EXPLORE & DISCOVER MORE opportunities during normal business hours. Special EXPLORE & DISCOVER MORE will allow visitor an up-close study of different museum Ambassadors each day. Each day offers a new and exciting exploration for visitors.

Goldstone Apple Valley Radio Telescope Project

The Goldstone Apple Valley Radio Telescope Project (GAVRT) is a partnership between NASA, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and the Lewis Center for Educational Research, a K-12 Charter School in Apple Valley, California. GAVRT trains educators on the basics of radio astronomy, technical topics pertinent to the project’s science observation campaigns, and telescope operations. Once trained, educators schedule time on the radio telescope for their class to collect data on a strong radio source.

Cabrillo National Monument

Visit Cabrillo National Monument's Science Education Team to learn about San Diego's ecology with a fun activity suitable for all ages! You'll use your powers of observation to recognize and understand native plants and pollinators, and how invasive species impact our environment. There will be a station with live local plants and a pollinator box, plus an activity that simulates the sensory systems of ants through identifying their "pheromones". Be a scientist with the National Park Service!

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