The STEM of Mississippi’s Gulf Coast

There are few places better than Mississippi’s Gulf Coast for exploring the STEM disciplines of science, technology, engineering and mathematics

MISSISSIPPI’S ITINERARY AT A GLANCE

Ecology is a large part of the Gulf, and students will be immersed in this science at numerous stops on this itinerary. Commercial fishing and seafood are important to the area’s economy, and students will see advances that have been made in boatbuilding and harvesting. Technology and mathematics also are on full display throughout your student tour.

You’ll experience these great activities and more:

At the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum see the Environmental Gallery about the Mississippi Coastal Wetlands
The Mississippi Aquarium’s indoor/outdoor campus with more than 200 aquatic animal species and a guided eco-cruise
Hike the nature trails at the Davis Bayou South Trailhead
A Virtual Science exploration class at the Infiniti Science Center

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Photo courtesy of INFINITY Science Center

Inside the Maritime and Seafood Industry Museum

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MISSISSIPPI DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY

DAY 1:

Arrive in Biloxi at the Maritime & Seafood Industry Museum. Plan to spend 75 minutes on a guided tour. Grand Hall features the Nydia Exhibit, a two-mast sailboat built in Biloxi Shipyard during 1898. Grand Hall and the museum’s Wooden Boat Gallery both provide insight into the engineering of boat design and the craftsmanship that goes into the construction of boats. The Environmental Gallery takes a serious look at the Mississippi Coastal Wetlands. The Commercial Fishing Gallery and the Biloxi Seafood Factory galleries both highlight the technology of the past.

Treat yourself to a boxed lunch from a local sandwich shop before a 2.5-hour sail on a Biloxi Schooner, a replica of a Biloxi oyster schooner. By the early 1900s, marine engines replaced the sailing ships. The docks are just a few blocks from the museum.

Check in at one of the numerous Mississippi Gulf Coast student-friendly hotels. Tonight, it’s dinner at Fat Bottom BBQ in Biloxi.

DAY 2:

Breakfast at your hotel before departure for the Mississippi Aquarium. The aquarium’s indoor/outdoor campus features both fresh- and salt-water habitats with more than 200 aquatic animal species. At 11:45 a.m., continue your visit with a behind-the-scenes guided tour. Learn the science of providing daily care for the animals and how the engineering of equipment that handles one million gallons of water is managed. Pelican Point Café at the aquarium is perfect for lunch.

At the Gulfport Small Craft Harbor in Jones Park, board the American Clipper for a 90-minute guided eco-cruise with Mississippi Aquarium staff. Study the ecology of the Gulf of Mexico and the considerable conservation work being undertaken by the aquarium’s scientists and partners. The Aquarium’s science and field conservation focus includes sharks and rays, sea turtles, marine mammals, monarch butterfly, African penguins and horseshoe crabs.

Next, it’s on to Moss Point and the Pascagoula River Audubon Center, a nature preserve. A 2-hour program with an educator can cover any of nine field trip themes. Most popular of the STEM programs are Water and Water Science and Weather and Climate Change.

Dinner is whatever your tastebuds are craving. There are a wide variety of restaurant options ranging from fast food to family-style to buffets.

DAY 3:

Breakfast at your hotel and check out.

Arrive at the William M. Colmer Visitor Center at Gulf Islands National Seashore’s Davis Bayou Area in Ocean Springs. Explore indoor exhibits and watch a video about the history of the Gulf Islands National Seashore. After departing the Visitor Center, check out the Davis Bayou South Trailhead, which provides access to the Civilian Conservation Corps Spur Trail and Nature’s Way Loop Trail. Allow for 30-60 minutes on the trails.

Grab an early lunch at any restaurant on your way to Infinity Science Center. With a mission of being a life-changing experience for teachers and students, Infiniti Science Center focuses on inspiring the next generation of scientists, engineers and mathematicians. Allow 2 hours to follow the educational exhibits and view a 3D immersive video. A Virtual Science exploration classes can be booked so you can continue your learning adventure after your visit. Classroom materials are available for teachers.