Getting students excited about science, marine life, conservation and fishing is an annual event in St. Petersburg, Florida, home of the St. Petersburg Science Festival. This event brings the science and academic communities together to create a hands-on experience for students to be engaged, have fun, and consider a career in science.
The day before the family event, 1,000 local 4th and 5th grade students are invited to get a sneak peak! With exhibits featuring fire and touch tanks, children are able to learn about cool science and understand how science might impact their lives. This year a new fishing exhibit allowed students to learn how to cast!
“It was clear very early on who had been fishing and who had never held a rod,” said Sean Meehan, NOAA Fisheries’ recreational fishing coordinator. “But whether they seemed unsure about what they were doing or cast like a pro, they all had fun and that’s why we are here,” Meehan said.
Each school group visits the exhibit for 15 minutes, which means important science and conservation messages have to be woven into the planned activity.
“This was my first time as an exhibitor and watching the kids get excited about fishing and learning more about how to safely release a fish back into the ocean was rewarding,” said Lauren Westcott, NOAA communications specialist. “Even though they weren’t reeling in an actual fish, they ‘caught’ the message about responsible and sustainable fishing best practices.”
The exhibits featured during the festival highlight everything from marine science to health, earth, and life sciences. Over the last 14 years the St. Petersburg Science Festival School Day event has given more than 14,000 students the chance to be part of science and consider the field as part of their future.
