The North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher is “looking for out-of-the-box exhibits that inspire wonder and curiosity” to take part in its annual daylong program that highlights science, technology, engineering and math fields.
The eighth annual “Femme in STEM” program is taking place 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26, in the aquarium’s temporary location in Independence Mall in Wilmington. Leaders in STEM fields are encouraged to apply as exhibitors at Femme in STEM.
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“This event is special to us and the community for so many reasons, especially because of the immediate connection and excitement that happens when children engage in the immersive hands-on exhibits curated by the exhibitors,” said Karissa Bearer, Fort Fisher aquarium’s education curator.
While the existing facility just south of Kure Beach is undergoing a yearslong renovation and expansion, the aquarium has opened “Discovery Bay” in the JC Penney wing of the mall across from the arcade. The mini-aquarium features poison dart frogs, a carnivorous plants ecosystem, seahorses, lionfish and scorpionfish, an aquaculture habitat with blue-striped grunts and copper sweepers, and an environmental education corner.
“Now that we’re hosting Femme in STEM at the mall, we anticipate that we will have more exhibitors join us and they will engage in meaningful ways with even more children and families,” said Fort Fisher aquarium Director Joanna Zazzali.
The NC Aquariums are a division of the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
