The whole family can pilot their ROV in NOAA’s test tank and learn how these vehicles are used for science and industry. Modify your ROV to perform tasks such as lifting “debris” and restoring fish habitat. Earn stamps for each mission to track progress and celebrate as you move through the levels. You can attend multiple dates and progress each time.

Upcoming ROV drop-in dates include June 26, July 2, July 11, July 26, Aug. 6, Aug. 10, and Aug. 21.

In addition to the ROV sessions, Science on a Sphere presentations are offered to the public, free of charge.

Tucked into a dark room in the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center is an incredible and powerful tool that is too often missed. This is your chance to receive an interactive presentation of Science on a Sphere! There are fewer than 200 of these in the U.S., and Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary is home to one of them. This carbon fiber sphere has four HD projectors that display climate data collected by NOAA and other scientists onto it.

ROV sessions are offered throughout the summer at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center.

At 2 p.m. on the dates listed below, a TBNMS team member will give an interactive presentation using the sphere and touching on climate science, ocean acidification science, and the exciting freshwater acidification that is happening right here in Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary.

Dates for Science on a Sphere include June 24, June 26, July 2, July 11, July 26, and July 28.

The Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center is located at 500 W. Fletcher St., Alpena.