Woods Hole Science Stroll 2025
Dare we say it was our best yet?!
On August 9, 2025, the USGS and several other science organizations located in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, hosted hands-on activities and informative displays for the annual Woods Hole Science Stroll.
Every summer, local science organizations take over Woods Hole Village to host the annual Woods Hole Science Stroll—an event that celebrates world-class coastal and ocean science. During this free event, a variety of booths line the streets, docks, and Waterfront Park to deliver hands-on science activities, games, demonstrations, and more to visitors of all ages.
In addition to USGS, 18 other science organizations and education-focused nonprofits participated in this year's Science Stroll, including Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, U.S. Coast Guard, Sea Education Association, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
This year’s event was really something special. The USGS booth was packed with fun activities and interesting displays, and let me tell you, we were busier than ever!
Earthquakes
We setup a shake table that moves in different directions, at varying frequencies to demonstrate the power of earthquakes. People built structures out of Legos to put on the shake table to test how buildings, bridges, and other infrastructure would behave during a real seismic event. This was the first time we had this activity at the Science Stroll, and it will not be the last! Kids (and adults who rightfully couldn’t resist the urge to play with blocks) really enjoyed seeing which structures would last the longest on the table as the shaking intensified.
The USGS studies earthquakes on land and offshore to learn more about where and when they are most likely to occur and assess associated hazards to support risk management.
Seafloor Sediments
We had a microscope station where visitors could look at foraminifera, tiny microfossils that live in marine environments. Scientists at the USGS use foraminifera to determine the age of sediment found many meters below the seafloor and to learn more about past climate conditions. Additionally, we made a sediment core replica to show how sediment core samples provide a layered record of past environments, climate, and geological events. 3D printed microfossils found in marine cores, such as forams and diatoms, were also on display. Kids loved how hands-on this station was and enjoyed playing with the different items displayed. This really worked out for families with adults that wanted to learn and kids that wanted to play! We love having a little something for everyone.
Mapping with Drones
The Aerial Imaging and Mapping Group showcased uncrewed aircraft system technology (drones) of all sizes and talked about how they’re used to map short- and long-term changes in coastal landscapes. The group also flew one of the drones to demonstrate how they’re piloted. The drones are always a big hit at the Science Stroll—attracting both adults and children. Let’s all just agree that things that fly will always be cool.
Salt Marsh Dynamics
At this station, we used a gas analyzer and respiration chamber to demonstrate the role of salt marshes in carbon sequestration. Visitors witnessed the soil from an impounded, freshened salt marsh emit significant amounts of methane, a potent greenhouse gas, while the soil from a healthy, undisturbed salt marsh did not. This showed the importance of keeping our coastal wetlands healthy. The salt marsh dynamics station was a favorite for both adults and kids! Some kids actually surprised us by already having a great understanding of carbon sequestration.
Coastal Storm Modeling
A geonarrative about modeling hurricanes ran on a loop for interested visitors. The COAWST modeling system allows many sophisticated models to work together to accurately simulate physical processes during a storm. These include the double trouble of compound flooding—flooding from the coast and from inland at the same time—and potential spread of contaminants long after the storm. A USGS oceanographer discussed ocean and coastal dynamics with attendees and provided details about this unique coupled modeling system. This display always attracts researchers, scientists, and college students in a variety of fields. Would it really be the Science Stroll if we didn’t get at least a little nerdy?!
Woods Hole is a world-renowned community for the study of earth and ocean science. The USGS is proud to belong to such a vibrant scientific community committed to Gold Standard Science. We have a long history of collaboration in research, teaching, training, and technology transfer, as well as outreach events such our annual Woods Hole Science Stroll.
Will we be able to top this year’s Woods Hole Science Stroll in 2026? We hope you’ll join us to find out!
