Mangrove Field Lab for Future Scientists: G.I.R.L.S. at New Smyrna Beach

NEW SMYRNA BEACH ECO TOUR FIELD GUIDE

Mangrove Field Lab for Future Scientists: G.I.R.L.S. at New Smyrna Beach

A free, hands-on day (9:00 a.m.–1:30 p.m.) where girls ages 8–15 collect mangrove data, investigate plankton, build shoreline restoration materials, and learn from working scientists.

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Mangrove Field Lab for Future Scientists: G.I.R.L.S. at New Smyrna Beach.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
New Smyrna Beach
Operator
Marine Discovery Center
Category
Eco Tour
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Hosted by the Marine Discovery Center in partnership with the Museum of Arts & Sciences, G.I.R.L.S. (Girls of Indian River Lagoon Sciences) offers girls ages 8–15 a structured, half-day immersion into coastal science: field data collection in the mangroves, plankton investigation, shoreline-restoration craft, and direct instruction from scientists and MOAS staff.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE LAB

Data collection in the mangrove forest

Participants conduct hands-on data collection in the mangrove forest, learning field techniques used by scientists who study the Indian River Lagoon.

THE MICROSCAPE

Investigating plankton up close

The program includes plankton investigation, giving girls the chance to observe microscopic life that underpins lagoon ecosystems.

THE RESTORATION

Hands-on shoreline restoration and space science

Participants help create shoreline restoration materials and also explore the universe through presentations with MOAS staff, blending coastal restoration with broader scientific discovery.

What the day feels like

What the day feels like

Across a structured morning and early afternoon, attendees move between fieldwork in the mangroves, lab-style plankton study, and craft-driven restoration projects, punctuated by presentations from MOAS staff and scientists—an educational, participatory program designed to introduce conservation science in a supportive, activity-driven setting.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this program suits — and who it doesn’t.

1
Aspiring young scientistsIdeal for girls within the program age range who are curious about ecology and hands-on science activities.
2
Parents and guardiansA development-focused day designed for ages 8–15; guardians should plan accordingly for drop-off/pick-up around the scheduled hours.
3
School groups and educatorsAppropriate for small school groups or educators seeking experiential, curriculum-adjacent field experiences for students ages 8–15.
4
Younger or older childrenNot suited for children younger than 8 or older than 15, as the program is tailored specifically to the 8–15 age band.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Timing & duration

The program runs from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Cost

This experience is free.

Operator & partners

Run by the Marine Discovery Center in partnership with the Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS); activities include mangrove data collection, plankton investigation, shoreline restoration material creation, and MOAS-led universe exploration.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

What ages is G.I.R.L.S. designed for?

The program is for girls ages 8–15.

How long is the program?

The day runs from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Is there a cost to attend?

This experience is free.

Who runs the program and who are the partners?

The Marine Discovery Center operates the program in partnership with the Museum of Arts & Sciences (MOAS).

What activities will participants do?

Activities include data collection in the mangrove forest, investigating plankton, creating shoreline restoration materials, exploring the universe with MOAS staff, and learning from scientists who study the Indian River Lagoon.