STATE COLLEGE — Discovery Space is inviting K–12 classrooms across Pennsylvania to help name the newest resident of its Marine Life Center: a juvenile White-Spotted Bamboo Shark. Through a community-wide naming contest, students will have the opportunity to help shape the next chapter of Discovery Space’s Marine Life Center.
The bamboo shark arrives through Discovery Space’s ongoing partnership with Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den in Scranton, a collaboration that allows Discovery Space to raise juvenile marine animals until they are ready to transition to Electric City Aquarium’s permanent exhibits. Along the way, these animals become ambassadors for marine science, giving thousands of children and families the opportunity to observe their growth and learn about marine biology, conservation, and animal care.
The partnership first introduced the community to Pearl, the California round ray that local classrooms helped name in March 2025. Since then, visitors have watched Pearl grow from a juvenile into a thriving stingray. This fall, Pearl will relocate to Electric City Aquarium, making room for Discovery Space’s newest resident.
“People often think caring about the ocean begins and ends at the coast, but the truth is we’re all connected to it,” said Kendra Adkins, Marine Educator and Lead Aquarist at Discovery Space. “Watching Pearl grow has shown us just how powerful that connection can be. Thousands of children have returned again and again to check on her, ask questions, and learn about the diversity of marine life. For many of them, this was their very first interaction with a living marine animal. It’s been incredible to watch that curiosity grow alongside Pearl, and we’re so excited to begin that journey again with our new bamboo shark.”
From preschoolers encountering marine life for the first time to high school students exploring careers, Discovery Space helps learners see themselves as future scientists, educators, veterinarians, aquarists, and conservationists.
Through its Professional Pathways program, students can build skills while exploring STEM careers through hands-on experiences, mentorship, and STEM merit badges. Former Discovery Space Marine Life intern and current Fulbright Fellow and molecular researcher Melica Kemanian Leites reflects, “Discovery Space completely shifted not only what I wanted to do, but the kind of person I wanted to become.”
How to Participate
- Color the Shark: Teachers and troop leaders can download a printable coloring sheet featuring the baby shark.
- Vote as a Class: After students complete their coloring sheets, classrooms vote on their favorite name.
- Submit the Class Entry by Friday, Oct. 30:
- Google Form (preferred method): https://forms.gle/gkVa35yQ4LyK69oR6
- Email Option: A scanned or photographed submission can also be sent to Shark@DiscoverySpace.org.
Full details can be found at www.discoveryspace.org/project/shark.
Exciting Prizes
The classroom that submits the winning name will receive:
- A free class field trip to Discovery Space.
- A shark-themed STEM lesson and classroom activity kit.
Important Dates
- Submission Deadline: Oct. 30
- Finalists announced for public voting: Nov. 6
- Winning name announced: Nov. 23
The White-Spotted Bamboo Shark is expected to arrive sometime this fall. While the exact transition date has not yet been determined, Pearl will remain at Discovery Space through the end of September before relocating to Electric City Aquarium & Reptile Den. Visitors will have a few more weeks to see her and celebrate how much she has grown during her time in State College. Stay tuned for details about a special birthday and going-away celebration for Pearl later this month.
For contest information, downloadable coloring sheet, and updates, visit www.DiscoverySpace.org/shark.
