Ocean Commotion: Exhibitor Info
Project Info | Exhibitor Info | Teacher Info | Directions | Photos | Fast Facts
Ocean Commotion provides students with an educational field
trip destination and LSU researchers with a forum to display
their research for the local community. Previous Ocean Commotions
were covered in The Advocate, The Reveille, LSU Today, and
Louisiana Sea Grant's Coast and Sea Magazine. Each year
this event brings more than 2,000 students to the LSU campus,
many of them for the first time. It is never too soon to
encourage children to think about what they want to be when
they grow up and where they want to go to college.
Evaluations for Ocean Commotion 2011:
Download the Ocean Commotion 2011 Poster & Facts:
2011 Exhibitors
LSU Coastal Roots
LSU Coastal Roots
http://coastalroots.lsu.edu
Help start restoration plants to restore Louisiana’s coast.
The Nitty-Gritty of Sand
LSU College of Education
Sample and examine sands from around the world.
Feeling Crabby?
Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program
www.btnep.org
Learn about the variety of crabs inhabiting our coastal waters. See live touloulous (fiddler crabs), blue crabs, hermit crabs, stone crabs and more.
Fish in a Tank
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
www.wlf.louisiana.gov
Observe a variety of freshwater fish in our big fish aquarium. Learn about otoliths and aquatic invasive species.
Life as a USS KIDD Sailor
USS KIDD Veterans Memorial
www.usskidd.com
Experience life as a U.S. Navy sailor aboard a Fletcher-class destroyer.
The Swamp in the Heart of the City
BREC’s Bluebonnet Swamp Nature Center
www.brec.org
Explore touchable nature artifacts and see live animals.
Something’s Fishy
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
www.wlf.la.gov
See and touch common Louisiana freshwater and saltwater fish.
Marvelous Marine Biology
Dauphin Island Sea Lab
http://disl.org
Get your hands wet in this marine biology touch lab.
Mosquitoes & You
EBR Mosquito and Rodent Control
http://brgov.com/dept/ebrmarc
Discover the developmental stages of mosquitoes and see how mosquito fish help control this dangerous pest.
Tracks and Scat – What Left That?
Fontainebleau State Park
www.lastateparks.com
Learn to identify animals from the marks and waste they leave behind.
Phytoplankton: Plants of the Sea
LSU Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences
www.oceanography.lsu.edu/bargu
Use a microscope to observe phytoplankton and learn about harmful/toxic varieties.
“Tree-rific” Trees
Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry
www.ldaf.state.la.us
Learn tree facts, play games and make crafts that show trees are a big part of Louisiana.
A Day at the Beach
Audubon Aquarium of the Americas
www.auduboninstitute.org
Dive into the realm of sea creatures; explore some of the habitats and animals of the world’s seas; and interact with different marine invertebrates.
A Closer Look at Gulf Invertebrates
LSU Department of Biological Sciences
www.biology.lsu.edu/webfac/mhellberg/index.html
Use a hand-held microscope to examine live animals from the Gulf of Mexico.
The Roots that Bind
Office of Coastal Protection and Restoration
www.coastal.louisiana.gov
Learn about coastal protection, restoration projects and vegetative plantings.
Can’t Drink It? Don’t Dump It!
City of Baton Rouge — Environmental Division — Stormwater Unit
http://metronet@brgov.com
Discover what you can do and what not to do to conserve and protect the Earth’s drinking water.
Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge — Always Ready
U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Baton Rouge
www.uscg.mil/d8/msuBatonRouge/
Tour a response boat with U.S. Coast Guard members who will answer all of your questions.
Meet the Estuarians!
America ’s WETLAND Foundation
www.americaswetland.com
Meet Louisiana’s larger-than-life wetland ambassadors.
Amazing Marine Mammals
Louisiana Sea Grant College Program
www.lamer.lsu.edu
Walk the length of a life-sized model of a whale and learn how baleen whales feed.
Our Debris – From Land to Sea
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
www.wlf.louisiana.gov/eec
Identify sources of water pollutants and discover what you can do to help curb these problems.
Backyard Bass
LSU AgCenter
www.lsuagcenter.com
Learn the fundamentals of casting and the importance of fishing in Louisiana.
Protect Your Drinking Water
Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality
www.deq.louisiana.gov/portal/
View a ground water model to understand where drinking water comes from, why it is important and how you can protect it.
Artistic Expression: A Wetland Mural
The Historic New Orleans Collection
www.hnoc.org
Express your love for the wetlands by adding your own brush strokes to this wetland mural.
Your Coastal Classroom
Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium
www.lumcon.edu
Handle live marine animals in LUMCON’s Gulf of Mexico touch tank.
Our Changing Oceans
Baton Rouge Magnet High School Environmental Club
http://brmhs.ebrschools.org
Discover how our oceans are responding to climate change and pollution.
Wetland NonSENSE
LSU AgCenter 4-H Youth Wetlands Program
www.lsuagcenter.com/yww
Use your senses to taste, touch, see, hear and smell wetland environments.
Louisiana Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program
Audubon Nature Institute/ Louisiana Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program
www.auduboninstitute.org/lmmstrp
Learn about the state’s primary responder for rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing marine mammals and sea turtles.
Boating Safety
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
www.d8cr.org
Climb aboard a real U.S. Coast Guard vessel and visit with Coastie the Robot. Pick up activity books and information sheets on boating safety and environmental issues.
Boating Is Fun Through Education
Baton Rouge Sail and Power Squadron
Learn about boating safety and compete in a game that demonstrates the importance of personal floatation devices.
Summer Geoscience Exploration
University of New Orleans
http://pies.uno.edu/education
Learn about student-led activities and demonstrations of Louisiana field experiences.
BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo Presents: Endanger Danger
BREC’s Baton Rouge Zoo
www.brzoo.org
See live animals; play an exotic animal matching game; interact with touch boxes; receive World Oceans Day give-aways; and pick up an educational hand-out.
Ocean Processes
LSU Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences
LSU students will use display models and exhibits to explain physical and geological processes occurring in the ocean.
Safari Feel Trip
Safari Club international, Louisiana Chapter
www.safariclub.org
See and touch preserved skins, skulls, tusks, jaw bones, marine mammals, reptiles, amphibians and fish from the world’s oceans and estuaries.
Birds of the Atchafalaya
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Atchafalaya Basin
www.mvn.usace.army.mil/recreation/rec_atchafalaya.asp
Identify some of the more common of the 300-plus bird species found in the Atchafalaya Basin and learn what the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers does to protect and restore the basin.
Critters of the Deep Sea
Westdale Heights Academic Magnet School
http://westdaleheights.ebrschools.org
Discover how Crittercam was invented and how it is used in research and movie-making to study where sea creatures are going and to record what they are seeing. Take a journey to the “Critters of the Deep Sea Biome” to learn about the adaptations of animals that live in this formidable environment.
Migratory Mishaps
National Park Service
www.nps.gov/jela/index.htm
Jump right in to learn in a fun and unique way about the hazards of flight for birds that migrate through the Mississippi River watershed.
Gyotaku Fish Printing
Louisiana Sea Grant College Program and St. Joseph’s Academy
www.lamer.lsu.edu or www.sjabr.org
Roll a rubber model of a fish with tempera paint and press it onto paper to make your own version of the traditional art Japanese fishermen used to record their catch.
Coastal Conservation Association
Coastal Conservation Association
http://ccalouisiana.com
Learn about the CCA’s fish tagging program, fish identification and aquatic safety.
Wetlands: The Great Climate Sponge
CH2M HILL
www.ch2m.com/corporate
Discover how wetland soils form from wetland plants and how these soils trap greenhouse gases.
Louisiana Wetlands: Fun Facts and Functions!
Student Wetland Society, LSU Chapter
www.rnr.lsu.edu/sws/
See how wetlands act as a buffer between uplands and open water and how they can clean the water. Learn about soil porosities and how they affect wetland function.
Skulls, Skins and Scat ... What Animal Is That?
Louisiana State Parks/Fairview-Riverside State Park
fairview@crt.state.la.us
Hands-on "bio-facts" help explain Louisiana's diverse wildlife. Explore characteristics of mammals, reptiles and birds from their furs to scales to feathers.
Weather – What the World Is Watching!
National Weather Service
www.weather.gov
Learn about the atmosphere and environment with a hands-on tornado simulator, hurricane toss game and hydrology river model.
Look Out Below!
LSU Earth Scan Laboratory
www.esl.lsu.edu
Blast off from the LSU PMAC into orbit on a guided tour of our planet through Google Earth.
Geaux Coastal
Louisiana Department of Natural Resources – Office of Coastal Management
http://dnr.louisiana.gov
Find out how wetlands help protect your home from hurricanes.
Have You Ever Seen an Oil Spill Close Up?
LSU Department of Environmental Science
www.sce.lsu.edu
This exhibit will allow kids to see the oil spill they heard so much about and its associated effects up close, such as the impact of different oils on Gulf marsh grasses; the commercial products used in remediation efforts; and experimental tools such as test flasks, sample vials and other items used in a laboratory.
U.S. Coast Guard: Search and Rescue!
U.S. Coast Guard, Air Station New Orleans
www.gocoastguard.com
Sit at the controls of a real helicopter; meet a rescue swimmer; and examine the life-saving equipment the Coast Guard relies on.
Nutria Shootout
Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act
www.lacoast.gov
Learn about the Coastwide Nutria Control Program and CWPPRA’s efforts to reduce this invasive species.
Drive Safe Louisiana Promotes Highway Safety
Louisiana Highway Safety Commission
www.lahighwaysafety.org
Learn about safe actions all young people should know before hitting the road. Try “fatal vision” goggles to simulate the effect of alcohol on your senses.
Conservation Plants Restore Wetlands and Improve Water Quality
U.S. Department of Agriculture/Natural Resources Conservation Service
http://la.nrcs.usda.gov
Learn about the conservation plants developed at the USDA-NRCS Plant Material Center that help restore wetlands and maintain water quality.
How to Get Hurricane Protection
Lake Pontchartrain Basin Foundation
www.saveourlake.org
Make a bead bracelet symbolizing the 11 Pontchartrain Lines of Defense developed to guard the future of the Pontchartrain Basin against hurricanes.
Doin’ The Coastal Rap!
Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority
http://coastal.la.gov
Four young stars from Mandeville Junior High present their “Save the Wetlands” rap video live and in person. Word!
Home Grown: Aquaculture in Louisiana
LSU AgCenter and LSU Department of Renewable Natural Resources
www.lsuagcenter.com
Explore different aquatic species that are bred and raised right here in Louisiana.
Ocean Pollution
LSU Coast and Environment Graduate Organization
www.sce.lsu.edu/cego
Learn about ocean pollution and trash, wetlands and composting.
Lost at Sea
LSU School of Renewable Natural Resources and Louisiana Sea Grant College Program
www.lsuagcenter.com and www.laseagrant.org
Derelict crab traps and other lost or discarded fishing gear are a big problem in our coastal estuaries and the open ocean. The exhibit will focus on education, prevention and clean-up.
Jammin’ Jellyfish
Sci-Port
www.sciport.org
Make a jellyfish and learn about ecosystems in a bottle.
Because Rocks Rock!
LSU Geology Club
http://uiswcmsweb.prod.lsu.edu/geol/UndergraduateStudents/
CurrentStudents/GeologyClub/item33102.html
Learn about fascinating rocks and fossils.
Wildlife of Louisiana
LSU Wildlife Society
http://rnr.lsu.edu
Learn all about the wild animals at home in Louisiana.
Ground Water Resources
Louisiana Department of Natural Resources – Conservation
http://dnr.louisiana.gov/index.cfm?md=pagebuilder&tmp=
home&pid=455&pnid=0&nid=173
Learn about the definition, uses and conservation of groundwater.
Yikes! That’s in the Water?
LSU Department of Oceanography and Coastal Sciences
www.oceanography.lsu.edu
Discover the wonderful world of aquatic microorganisms and make real-time observations of samples of freshwater plankton inhabiting local water bodies.
Bonnet Carrè Spillway
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
www.mvn.usace.army.mil/recreation/rec_bonnetcarre.asp
Learn about the purpose and function of the Bonnet Carr è Spillway.
Save a Turtle! Do the Hurdle!
NOAA Fisheries
www.nmfs.noaa.gov
Pass through a trawl net to understand how turtle excluder devices (TEDS) save turtles by safely removing them from shrimp nets.
Oysters on the Half Shell
Louisiana Sea Grant, LSU
www.laseagrant.org
Examine oyster anatomy and learn about the animal’s ecological importance and how oysters are harvested.
Water Quality, Macroinvertebrates and pH
St. Joseph’s Academy
www.sjabr.org
See what’s really living in the mud and water throughout our wetlands. Explore biodiversity by looking at macroinvertebrates under the microscope and judging the water quality of a wetland using indicator species and pH.
Effect of Salinity on Seed Germination
St. Joseph’s Academy
www.sjabr.org
What do seeds really require to begin growing? Students will set up a take-home experiment exploring how salt water affects the germination of seeds. Teacher information will be available to continue the experiment in the classroom.
Here Today, Gone Tomorrow
St. Joseph’s Academy
www.sjabr.org
Observe a coastal erosion wave tank that simulates the effect of waves on the shoreline of Louisiana.
Water Cycle Bracelets
St. Joseph’s Academy
www.sjabr.org
Explore the recycling of water and learn about the water cycle by making a cute bead bracelet.
Which Direction Does Your Garden Grow?
St. Joseph’s Academy
www.sjabr.org
Coastal plants release their seeds into the water, where they tumble and land on the soil in all different directions. Will they always grow in the same direction? Students will set up a lab to investigate gravitropism.
Trapping Expedition
Louisiana Fur Advisory Council, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
www.alligatorfur.com
Learn about trapping, skulls, fur and a hatchling alligator.
What Is a Watershed?
Baton Rouge Planning Commission
www.brgov.com/dept/planning
Learn about watersheds, the environmental effects of storm water and the water quality issues facing Louisiana.
ExxonMobil – Protect Tomorrow Today
ExxonMobil/ Environmental Group
www.exxonmobil.com
Learn about the states of matter, pH indicators and rocks.
