December 1-19 School Field Trips Schedule a field trip that will keep the kids talking about marine science all through winter break. Click here for details. Tuesday, December 2 Free First Tuesday Visit our aquarium, exhibit hall, and touch tanks. Take a tour or explore on your own. Join us as we explore Monterey Bay with our Hands–on family programs! Saturday, December 6 Student ROV Building Orientation, grades 6-12 (part 2 of a two-part series) Students in grades 6-12 will learn how scientists combine marine biology, technology, and physical science by spending a day at the pool building an underwater robot (ROV)! Learn how you can participate in the 2008 ROV Competition. Reservations required. For more information and how to register, click here. Sunday, December 7, 12-5:30 PM Festive Whale Lighting, 5:45 PM Celebrate with us! Jingle Shells Arts and Crafts Festival Join us to ring in the holidays, Santa Cruz style, with Jingle Shells Art and Craft Festival––be sure to stay for the festive whale lighting at dusk! The festival features ocean-themed gifts and books while proceeds directly support marine science education. Meet artists and authors, shop for unique holiday gifts, enjoy live music, refreshments, free gift wrapping, children's activities, and explore Seymour Center exhibits, aquarium, and touch tanks. Two for one admission with this flier. Sponsored by Bret Zischke, Realtor, Bailey Properties Tuesday, December 9, 5–7 PM Special Holiday (Shopping) Hours Let Ms. Blue light your way to the Ocean Discovery Shop for some after-work shopping. Enjoy the exhibits, refreshments, and holiday music while your purchases are wrapped by our talented staff! FREE admission from 5-7 PM. Thursday, December 11, 2:15-3:30 PM Marine Mammal Research Tour Go behind the scenes at Long Marine Lab. Learn about the work of scientists and their studies of dolphins, seals, sea lions, and whales. Tour is best suited for adults and children over 10 years of age. Space limited, free with admission. Reservations required: (831) 459-3800. Sundays, December 14, 21, & 28; 1-3 PM Seaside Crafts at the Seymour Center There's no time to be crabby when you’re having fun in the Little Critters Crafts Room. Come turn your hands into incredible invertebrates… That's right––create your own incredible crab puppet! Build a new shell/home as part of the new hermit crab craft. If you're not into "moving" and simply want to redecorate, become a creative decorator crab and renovate the shell of your puppet. See the transformation as your hand becomes a crawly crab with these literally hands-on crafts! Tuesday, December 16, 5–7 PM Special Holiday (Shopping) Hours Let Ms. Blue light your way to the Ocean Discovery Shop for some after-work shopping. Enjoy the exhibits, refreshments, and holiday music while your purchases are wrapped by our talented staff! FREE admission from 5-7 PM. Holiday Admission Specials! December 18-30 With web coupon (See Visitor Information). Bring the family, out-of-town guests, and enjoy the holidays in a special way. Enjoy our incredible views in the warmth of the Seymour Center. Two-for-one admission, and free child with paying adult. See Visitor information for exact dates, details, and coupon. December 24-26 Closed for Christmas Holidays December 31-January 1, 2009 Closed for New Year’s Holidays January 2-31 School Field Trips Help a teacher organize or fund an unforgettable field trip for his/her class. Click here for details. SAVE THE DATE! TELL YOUR FRIENDS! Wednesday, January 14 Docent Training Begins The Seymour Center offers docent training only once a year––it’s the best way to start off 2009! Join the team––get your hands wet, learn more, inspire others, and help protect the oceans. This 10-week course meets twice weekly; docents make a one-year volunteer commitment. If you’ve wondered how you can work for positive change, as a Seymour Center docent you will be empowered by new knowledge, meet new people, volunteer in your community, and have a lot of fun! For more information call Shauna Potocky at (831) 459-3854. Applications are currently being accepted and reviewed. Sponsored by David Morrell and Kirsten Gruesz Wednesday, January 21, 4-6 PM Watershed Cruzin’ Teacher Workshop Excite your students about exploring the great outdoors! Grade 4-8 teachers and educators are invited to join the Resource Conservation District of Santa Cruz County and the Seymour Center for a free teacher workshop on Santa Cruz County watersheds. Click here for details. Thursday, January 29, 4-6 PM Student Research and Education Awards Ceremony and Reception Come listen to the exciting research and education projects that have been awarded to U.C. Santa Cruz students. Reception immediately follows the ceremony. Reservations required (831) 459-3694. Sponsored by Rachael Spencer and Kevin Rooney February 1-28 School Field Trips Seymour Center field trips are a great way to make science fun. Learn more about our three ways to visit. Click here for details. February 3 - February 13 Marine Masterpieces Art Contest Entries Due Submit your marine-themed artwork to our sixth annual art contest for K-12 students. Click here for details. Saturday, April 4 Marine Masterpieces Awards Reception Come admire winning and specially selected artwork from this year's Marine Masterpieces art contest for K-12 students. The awards ceremony for winning students in grades K-5 will begin at 12 PM. The ceremony for winning students in grades 6-12 and the group category will begin at 2 PM. Invite family and friends to enjoy light refreshments while winning artists receive recognition and receive their awards. Click here for details.