Sci-Port features fierce creatures of the sea

Sci-Port: Louisiana’s Science Center will give visitors the chance to get up close and personal with sharks during the week of Aug. 10-17.

Shark Week is a first for the nonprofit, located at 820 Clyde Fant Parkway, and offers a full week of educational and entertaining programming dedicated to the kings of the sea.

Heather Kleiner, special programs coordinator at Sci-Port, said the program was inspired by the Discovery Channel’s Shark Week that has become the longest running television series since its first airing in the 1980s. “Discovery Channel’s Shark Week has raised awareness and respect for sharks,” Kleiner said.

Shark Week at Sci-Port kicks off Aug. 10 – the same day as the Discovery Channel and shark-lovers of all ages can participate and explore the anatomy and lifestyle of the numerous species of sharks.

The Sci-Port staff is keeping many surprises a secret until Shark Week begins, but Kleiner shared a few of the features guests can look forward to seeing.

Kleiner said the most anticipated activity is the live dissection of a pregnant dogfish shark.

Guests will have the opportunity to learn up-close about the anatomy of the dogfish shark and other ocean-dwellers. The bravest of audience members can become marine biologists for the day and touch the creatures, while wearing protective gear.

“We’ll talk about what the body parts are and what they are for,” Kleiner said. “We also have a 4D shark model to take apart and put together.”

Shark dissection demos will take place at 10 a.m. Aug. 9 and 16 and at 1 p.m. Aug. 10 and 17. The shark model and shark anatomy “touch and see” will be available to observe at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Aug. 11-15.

There will also be periodic demonstrations about water rockets and air shows – including other visual and hands-on features scheduled at the science center for all ages.

“Sharks can have up to 3,000 teeth, in many rows,” Kleiner said. “In the Children’s Gallery, children ages 7 and [younger] can participate in an exercise learning about the jaws and teeth.” Kleiner said the children can make sandpaper shark rubs, made by rubbing sandpaper over paper atop a shark jaw which leaves the toothy imprint on the paper. Children can take their artistic creations with them. The activity is a part of an ongoing educational series that teaches children the importance of proper dental care.

Kleiner said visitors will see a mural of 19 species of sharks created by Sci-Port’s Summer Camp children and take a picture while standing in the jaws of a megalodon shark, or slide into the photo booth for a digital underwater background of any choice (additional costs required for digital photo booth).

“Under the Sea,” a film about the underwater life of all ocean residents will also be offered, along with a sharkthemed meal in the Galaxy Café.

Guests will also go head-to-head in a human versus shark comparison handson challenge. “There will be a test of smell,” Kleiner said. “Sharks can smell small prey a mile away. How good is your sense of smell compared to a shark?” And remember to stop into the Red River Gallery, an exhibition space dedicated to the exploration of the river and its natural and cultural history, for those secret shark surprises.

Kleiner said Shark Week has something to interest all ages, even those who may not have started off as shark fans. “Those will learn more and find out how fascinating they are,” Kleiner said. “It will spark the curiosity of others when finding out just how fascinating.”

– Tiana Kennell

WANT TO GO?

Shark Week events and activities are covered through Sci-Port’s regular admission. For more information on pricing and programing, visit www. sciport.org or call 424-3466. Also, ‘Like’ Sci-Port’s Facebook page for updates at www.facebook.com/sciport.