Thank you for joining us for virtual explorations of SERC research in partnership with Anne Arundel County Public Libraries (AACPL). If you were unable to make it to the online event, please watch the recordings to all of the topics you are interested in below. Bring the family together for hands-on activities alongside Smithsonian scientists!

Recordings of Previous Events

Science To Go: Marshes

Join the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) to learn about the importance of marshes in this virtual program! Meet SERC biogeochemist Genevieve Noyce and get a closer look at how (and why) she studies marshes and where she does her research! You will also meet scientific illustrator Alice Tangerini and learn about the importance of illustrating the plants that are studied in the field. Marshes are important habitats that help to keep the Chesapeake Bay clean and healthy. You will get to make a model of one to help understand how they help keep the Chesapeake Bay healthy! Plus, follow along as we draw a marsh plant!

Find the list household materials and instructions to follow along at home!

Science To Go: Plant Defenses

Join the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) to learn about Plant Defenses in this virtual program! Meet SERC global change ecologist Dr. Kim Komatsu, take a virtual tour of her field site to get a closer look at how they study plant defenses. Plants have physical and chemical defenses to keep insects from eating them. Learn how and why these are important for our ecosystems to remain healthy!

Find the list of household materials and protocols, so you can still follow along at home!

Science To Go: Fun with Fungus

Join the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) to learn about Fungi in this virtual program! Meet SERC molecular ecologist scientists Dr. Melissa McCormick and Dr. Eranga Wettewa, take a virtual tour of their lab to get a closer look at how they study fungi, blow up a balloon with yeast, and dissect a mushroom - all at home! 

Find the list of household materials and instructions to follow along at home.

Science To Go: All About DNA

Join the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) to learn about DNA in this virtual program! Meet SERC molecular ecologist Dr. Katrina Lohan, take a virtual tour of her lab to get a closer look at how she studies DNA...and conduct a real DNA extraction at home!

Find the list of household materials and instructions to follow along at home.