RYE — Seacoast Science Center has completed renovation of its iconic tide pool touch tank, part of a year of major exhibit upgrades.
The popular hands-on exhibit has been fully refurbished and now includes observation tools, interpretive signage with learning prompts and naturalist-guided programs to help visitors “dive deeper” into learning about the animals and plants that live in the intertidal zone.
"Our goal for this renovation was to expand pathways for observation of the interconnectedness of life in a tide pool habitat,” said Jeremy LeClair, director of exhibits and technology. “We've added magnifying glasses and other scientific tools to encourage our visitors to get in touch with their 'inner scientist' by looking closely, making comparisons and asking questions."
The tank is stocked with plants and animals native to the region’s coast, including sea stars, mussels, scallops, oysters, kelp and living algae. A flowing saltwater system keeps the tank at the proper temperature, level of salinity and concentration of oxygen for its inhabitants.
Two more exhibit renovations are in the works for 2018. In February, SSC’s Discovery Den will be transformed into the Discovery Dock, an engaging seaside-themed learning space for young children. Later in the spring, the center will install a new 2,000-square-foot exhibit called H2O Today from the Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service. The exhibit will invite visitors to explore the beauty and essential nature of water.
Seacoast Science Center at Odiorne Point State Park is open year-round. For more information, visit www.seacoastsciencecenter.org.