PANAMA CITY BEACH, Florida – (November 6, 2023) – Many children develop a love for science in school at a young age, but they may not realize that science can be found all around them in their day-to-day lives. WonderWorks Panama City Beach is on a mission to bring this to light with its National STEM Day celebration on November 8, 2023. The day will allow guests to experience live STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) demonstrations and learn about careers in marine biology with their new exhibit.
“WonderWorks prides itself in inspiring the next generation of scientists and leaders through our interactive exhibits, educational displays, and exciting STEM programs,” says Darren Grooms, general manager at WonderWorks Panama City Beach. “Our upcoming STEM Day event will be no exception and will surely provide guests with a great opportunity to get some hands-on learning experiences!”
On National STEM Day, guests can participate in live science demonstrations all day that help them explore fascinating science topics including weather, physics, insulation, matter, and more. The experiments will be included in regular admission tickets and will be held throughout the day, giving visitors additional ways to explore, engage, and learn as they make their way through the facility. The Blubber Glove experiment is a WonderWorks favorite, demonstrating how marine mammals stay warm in cold water temperatures. Guests can channel their inner marine biologist to examine and experience insulation in action at this interactive lab.
WonderWorks has also teamed up with SeaWorld and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to bring guests a new iteration of their “I Think, Therefore I STEM” exhibit, introducing them to the marine biology field. Guests can learn about the fascinating career of a marine biologist, what it takes to become one, their specialties and responsibilities, and more. The focus on this essential science-related field may spark the interest of some young visitors who love animals and the ocean and want to find a way to help protect and care for both.
“Empowering young minds to pursue STEM careers such as marine biology is essential for our world’s future. By fostering a love for marine science in the younger generations, we are cultivating the stewards our oceans and marine life need. Every budding marine biologist represents a potential solution to the challenges our seas face, from climate change to conservation. Their curiosity, dedication, and passion hold the key to safeguarding the deep and the incredible creatures that call it home”, explains Dr. Joseph Gaspard, vice president of Zoological Operations at SeaWorld Orlando.
According to the National Inventors Hall of Fame, focusing on STEM education prepares future generations to be successful in their careers. Skills gained through STEM education include problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, curiosity, leadership, decision-making, entrepreneurship, and resiliency.
WonderWorks Panama City Beach is proud to offer various STEM/STEAM programs throughout the year, including, but not limited to, science fair and event partnerships, teacher events, and educational field trips. They also host an annual youth art contest and annual student achievement awards, keeping active learning and exploration alive all year.
WonderWorks Panama City Beach offers over 100 hands-on, interactive exhibits across four floors. Each exhibit is designed to allow participants to explore themes in science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics (STEAM). This includes extreme weather simulators, a space discovery zone, light and sound experiences, an illusion art gallery, and more. There are also several physical challenges like an indoor ropes course, a Bed of Nails, and a laser tag arena. The various activities and exhibits aim to keep guests physically active, encourage teamwork, and spark their imaginations.
WonderWorks focuses on providing year-round “edu-tainment” for locals and visitors. Activities and events include field trips, ticket deals, science fair partnerships, art contests, and more. WonderWorks is open year-round. To get more information about WonderWorks Panama City Beach, visit its website: https://www.wonderworksonline.com/panama-city-beach/
About WonderWorks
WonderWorks, a science-focused indoor amusement park, combines education and entertainment. With over 100 hands-on exhibits, there is something unique and challenging for all ages. Feel the power of 74 mph hurricane-force winds in the Hurricane Shack. Make life-sized bubbles in the Bubble Lab. Experience zero gravity and get the NASA treatment in the Astronaut Training Gyro. Conquer your fear of heights on the indoor Glow-In-The-Dark Ropes Course. Nail it by lying on the death-defying Bed of Nails. WonderWorks has locations in Orlando, Pigeon Forge, Panama City Beach, Myrtle Beach, Syracuse, and Branson. Visit WonderWorksonline.com and follow @WonderWorksPCB on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for more information.
About SeaWorld
SeaWorld is a leading marine life theme park and accredited zoo and aquarium that provides experiences that matter while educating and inspiring guests of all ages to care about marine life. Welcoming millions of guests every year, the parks offer fun and enriching experiences from up-close animal encounters and year-round educational programs to award-winning marine-life themed rides and attractions, special events and exciting entertainment. For more than 60 years SeaWorld has advanced the conservation of marine life in and outside its parks through science, education, and exceptional animal care that is Humane Certified by American Humane and accredited by the Alliance of Marine Mammal Parks and Aquariums and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. SeaWorld is one of the largest marine animal rescue organizations in the world, helping more than 40,000 animals to date. The SeaWorld Conservation Fund, a non-profit foundation established in 2003, has provided more than $20 million to nearly 1,400 organizations to advance critical research on every continent. A portion of park proceeds goes toward supporting these longstanding conservation commitments. SeaWorld parks are in Orlando, San Antonio, San Diego, and Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE). SeaWorld is part of the SeaWorld Entertainment (NYSE: SEAS) portfolio of theme park brands. For more information, visit us at SeaWorld.com.
