Hands-on science experience at the University of North Carolina Wilmington is now available to children throughout the year with MarineQuest's Saturday Morning Marine Explorers.

Youth of all abilities are welcome to the outreach program offering themed marine adventures one Saturday a month to 6-9 year-old students. For $12 per child, each 9 a.m. to noon session will feature a different creature, laboratory activity and an exploration of a local marine habitat and mini-tour of the Center for Marine Science facility. Topic examples include ecological relationships on the coral reef and the invasive species of our coast.

"Marine Explorers gives families who just can't wait until next summer for MarineQuest camps, a chance to experience the fun of marine science now," said Sue Kezios, UNC Wilmington Division of Public Service and Continuing Studies director of youth programs.

"It is a well-documented fact that science is an area in which all children can succeed. Many of our participants are differently abled. We are currently working with the School of Education to develop training for our staff to better reach out to diverse ability ranges," said Kezios.

During the New Hanover County spring and summer breaks, MarineQuest camps will offer additional fun scientific investigation opportunities.

To register and for more information on these and other Public Service & Continuing Studies youth program offerings, visit http://www.uncw.edu/dpscs/YouthPrograms.htm or call the registrar at 910.962.3195.

Media are invited to attend Sat. sessions on March 15, April 19 and May 17 for interview and visual opportunities.

Media Contacts:

Sue Kezios, Division of Public Service and Continuing Studies director of youth programs, 910.962.2118 or kezioss@uncw.edu.

Joy Davis, Marketing and Communications, 910.962.3616 or davisjc@uncw.edu