Marine Discovery Centre

April 2023

Reimagining the Marine Discovery Centre

On Thursday 23 February 2023 the MDC welcomed invited guests to the ‘Reimagining the Marine Discovery Centre’ event. In 41 degree heat we thank the 100 guests who came to see the upgraded centre.

Porci's Ocean Patrol

Porci's Ocean Patrol (POP) is a series of discoveries. Discover all about our wonderful creatures that live in and around our incredible South Australian oceans, how to keep them healthy, and our Aboriginal culture.

In each episode, Porci and his fellow Ocean Patrollers, Georgie, and Karno, aim to elevate the voices of kids with an interest in South Australian marine life and our Aboriginal cultural origins. Turning education into fun learning by showcasing local marine creatures, and coastal facts, and interacting with viewer games and quizzes.

POP will encourage kids' curiosity with viewer question segments and explain the answers in their language, and inspire positive action to protect the local marine environment, such as joining a local dune replanting group.

Kids can then feel informed and empowered to strengthen their awareness, knowledge, skills, and engagement to promote local marine environmental sustainability among their friends, family, and community.

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POP activities

Ask Porci a question to be part of the next episode

School Holiday fun with Seastar Rock

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Back by popular demand after another SOLD OUT event at the Marine Discovery Centre

Join Seastar Rock LIVE on stage from 10am

It's a giant party when Lucy of SeaStar Rock hits the stage with music and dance for children, promoting sustainability and positivity. Kids will be singing, dancing and playing games as they navigate the sustainability of our oceans.

After the concert, join the team at the Marine Discovery Centre for a morning of interactive fun, marine-based learning and recycled craft activities.

During the session, children will have access to a variety of interactive discovery stations including Kaurna learning, sea aquariums, virtual reality headsets, hands-on games and the opportunity to explore specimens and shells plus meet some of our brand new marine creatures who we have welcomed to the MDC.

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The MDC team visit Port Augusta

In March the SA Arid Lands Landscape Board and Port Augusta Coastcare invited the Marine Discovery Centre team to Port Augusta for a regional tour.
The team visited local schools offering an interactive look at the marine environment and ecological sustainability. It was wonderful to see so many engaged students at Willsden Primary School, Port Augusta Secondary School, and Port Augusta School of the Air.
A Professional Development session was also conducted for teachers in the area on how they can further engage their students in the marine environment in the classroom.
Finishing the few days with the well-attended community event: Secrets of Port Augusta’s Gulf. A beautiful spot in South Australia, we’ll be back.

May Open Day

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Join the team at the Marine Discovery Centre for a morning of interactive fun, marine-based learning and a guided beachcombing session along Henley Beach

During the session, you will have access to a variety of interactive discovery stations including Kaurna learning, sea aquariums, new virtual reality headsets, hands-on games and recycled craft activities.

TIMES

10am - 11.30am - Interactive Centre Activities

11.30am - 12pm - Guided Beach Marine Trail on Henley Beach (if weather permits)

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Minister for Education visit

On Tuesday we welcomed the Minister for Education, Training and Skills the Hon. Blair Boyer MP to the Marine Discovery Centre.

We are thankful for the passionate support from the Minister, empowering us to educate thousands of South Australian students every year to actively protect South Australia's iconic coastal and marine environments.

The Marine Discovery Centre is closely aligned with ACARA (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority) particularly the Cross-Curriculum priorities of Sustainability and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures. The Centre also partners with The University of Adelaide and their internship program, in addition to a strong work experience program for secondary school students.

Art Exhibition at the MDC

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Get ready to be captivated by the fascinating world of the South Australian reefs, brought to life by the most deep thinking digital illustrators, painters, and muralists in Adelaide.

We proudly present 'Deep Thinkers' a unique display of art that not only celebrated the beauty of our ocean but also the deep thoughts of our local artists.

This is a free event, with an optional donation to support the Centre's aquariums.

Why not adopt one of your own marine creatures? The Marine Discovery Centre will send you an information kit about your creature and you'll be helping us to improve our educational activities. You'll also get to meet your creature on the night: Adopt here

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The world is your oyster - by Chelsea Foubister

You may like to pair oysters with a nice glass of champagne or with lemon and tabasco, but have you ever thought about their mysterious lives beneath the sea? There is a reason South Australia is famous for their oysters and not just the ones that end up on your plate at a fine dining restaurant. Oysters are in fact ecological superheroes and form a vital part of our Great Southern Reef here in southern Australia.

The chemistry behind ocean acidification

Written by: Alya Arief Azali

Excessive carbon dioxide emissions are a key driver in global warming, but did you know carbon dioxide also increases ocean acidity?

School Excursions

School excursions

The team at the Marine Discovery Centre hopes to connect you and your students with the marine world through our interactive excursions and classroom activities. Learning experiences at the Marine Discovery Centre are facilitated by qualified marine scientists and a cultural educator.

The Marine Discovery Centre is closely aligned with ACARA (Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority), particularly the cross-curriculum priorities of Sustainability and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures.

Whilst we still have some availability in 2023, we are now accepting bookings for 2024.

School Excursion program>

Online Bookings>

Vacation Care Group Bookings>

Teaching activities include curriculum tables, information packs, excursion activity sheets, classroom activity sheets, puzzles, and fun activities.

Student activities include information sheets, puzzles, fun activities, and infographics.

Online Shop includes the option to purchase a wide number of books, puppets, and poster sets. All online shop purchases can be picked up or posted to you.

Porci's Ocean Patrol

If you would like to get in contact with us, please call 08 8115 7402 or email info@marinediscoverycentre.com.au

We would love to hear from you.

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