Celebrate World Sea Turtle Day at the Museum with the Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research! Learn about Florida sea turtles and what we can do to protect them with a virtual reality simulation, hands-on specimens and a scavenger hunt.

Step into the flippers of a loggerhead turtle with Project S.H.E.L.L., a virtual reality simulation that allows guests to immerse themselves in the daily life of a loggerhead as it hatches and grows to become a nesting adult.

During this free activity, participants can assume the perspective of a sea turtle when hatching and when navigating various hazards encountered during its life cycle. Users can experience multiple 360-degree videos that provide immersive glimpses of the terrestrial and aquatic habitats that are essential to sea turtle survival.

Speak with researchers from the Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research, the Sea Turtle Conservancy at the University of Florida, UF Thompson Earth Systems Institute, Sea Turtle Hospital and the Alachua Conservation Trust about sea turtle conservation and careers in marine biology.

Take part in a sea turtle scavenger hunt among the museum’s exhibits and check out sea turtle specimens and interactive educational materials.

Tabling Organizations

• The Archie Carr Center for Sea Turtle Research
• The Sea Turtle Conservancy
• Alachua Conservation Trust
• Sea Turtle Hospital
• UF Thompson Earth Systems Institute

About Project S.H.E.L.L.

Project S.H.E.L.L. (Simulating Habitat Experiences of Living Loggerheads) was  funded by a grant awarded from the Sea Turtle Grants Program (STGP) and was made possible with assistance from the After School Film Institute in partnership with Yellow Wood Immersive Media and Meta Oculus Launchpad.

The Sea Turtle Grants Program is funded from proceeds from the sale of the Florida Sea Turtle License Plate. Learn more at www.helpingseaturtles.org.

While the event activities are FREE, there is an admission charge for the Science Up Close: Incredible Insects and Butterfly Rainforest exhibits.