In 1995, the Fish and Wildlife Research Institute (FWRI) held its first MarineQuest open house. The event was created to inform the public about the research performed at the institute and to introduce the community to the world of marine science. The following year, MarineQuest expanded; FWRI added a second day to provide local schools and students with an opportunity to visit the institute. In the years that followed, MarineQuest evolved into a three-day event that welcomed thousands; over 12,000 people attended the 21st annual MarineQuest, held October 15-17, 2015. The first two days are held on Thursday and Friday. This accommodates students in grades four through eight who are invited to participate in "School Daze," a special version of MarineQuest available to schools by registration only. Students tour lab stations managed by FWRI scientists. Vibrant exhibits with hands-on displays and activities draw students into the world of fish and wildlife research and the fascinating things that FWRI scientists discover. About the MarineQuest School Daze Program The MarineQuest School Daze program is two-and-a-half hours long. During the half-hour introductory program in the Karen A. Steidinger Auditorium, students learn about the institute through interviews with staff researchers, combined with footage of scientists in the field. The remaining two hours are spent visiting six of the lab stations on display. Tours are organized ahead of time, and FWRI staff members act as tour guides. At the lab stations, researchers use hands-on demonstrations and activities to explain individual research projects to the students.