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We are so excited to be partnering with the Science Museum of Virginia to provide a traveling version of our popular family-friendly Discovery Lab event in Richmond! VIMS educators will be situated at tables throughout the museum's rotunda, with a variety of shark-themed exhibits, demonstrations, and hands-on activities for attendees to engage with. Activities will be designed with elementary-aged youth and their families in mind.

This event aligns with two additional shark-based exhibits at the Science Museum of Virginia: the "Planet Shark: Predator or Prey" exhibit and "JARS: Sharks on Loan." Planet Shark focuses on shark evolution and natural history, their role in the natural environment, interactions between humans and sharks (including representation in popular culture), and historical and current measures to conserve and protect these important apex predators. JARS: Sharks on Loan allows visitors to explore Virginia sharks up close in a special land-based exhibition featuring cartilaginous fishes from the VIMS Nunnally Ichthyology Collection. See dozens of specimens in jars from the largest collection of freshwater fishes from the Chesapeake Bay and coastal area of the state, while learning about shark studies that have been conducted by former VIMS graduate students and the VIMS Shark Longline Survey.

The Discovery Lab activities, as well as both shark exhibits, are included with the general Museum admission ticket. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online at https://tickets.smv.org/events

An inherent risk of exposure to harmful pathogens like COVID-19 exists where people gather for events such as this one. Due to the contagious nature of COVID-19, VIMS/William & Mary request that all attendees follow the posted guidelines while participating in the event. By choosing to attend this event, you are acknowledging the risks, your willingness to assume those risks, and your agreement to abide by the applicable health and safety measures that are in place at the time of this event.

As we move forward, our planning must necessarily be flexible and will be based on current health data. For the latest information on VIMS and W&M’s pandemic response, please visit the Path Forward website.