Leopard Shark from the Back Bay

Is your school or class in need of an interactive, hands-on marine science experience? The Back Bay Science Center can provide that experience with the Sharkmobile! The Sharkmobile is a mobile aquarium unit that has the ability to bring exciting local marine animals like sea stars, stingrays and sharks to you. Three fun-filled stations will introduce your students to concepts about food chains, watersheds, and Southern California marine habitats in addition to the hands-on touching experience with the animals.

The program is designed for 4th grade students and California State Science Standards for this grade have been incorporated into the curriculum. The program lasts one hour and fifteen minutes and accommodates up to 35 students at one time. There is a limit of two programs per day. Sharkmobile is available within thirty miles of Newport Beach on Tuesday and Thursday. Wednesday and Friday may also be available. Best of all, the program is free, although donations are welcome.

Sharkmobile is also available to community organizations and special events, and the program length and group size can be modified to suit.

For more information, or to reserve a visit, please call 949-640-9956.

There are two species of sharks that are commonly found in Upper Newport Bay. The leopard shark and the grey smoothhound shark are both members of the houndshark family. This harmless family of sharks contains about 40 species worldwide. They are small, mainly coastal dwelling sharks. Juvenile leopards and smoothies are found in the Bay year around, but more commonly during the spring and summer months. They feed on the abundant worms, crustaceans, and mollusks that are found along the mudflats and sandy bottom.

Common misconceptions about sharks will be discussed during the Sharkmobile program. Students will learn some interesting facts about sharks. For instance, that the skeletons of sharks and some other fish are made of cartilage and not bone. Cartilage is the material that gives structure to the outer parts of the human ear.