Underwater Science - Indiana University

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Underwater Science - Indiana University

"The sea is an underwater museum still awaiting its visitors" - Philip Diole 1951

05/06/2026

You can lead a horse to water AND you can make it SINK

This past week, IU Academic Diving staff successfully sunk a horse statue in Sunset Lake! Everyone please welcome our newest team member, Rex🐴

But we weren’t just horsing around, we take site enhancement seriously! Adding attractions to our open water training site not only brings whimsy to the chilly depths, but also gives staff members the opportunity to keep their lift bag skills sharp (he weighs over 300 pounds🫢).

Special thanks to and for the generous donation! And as always, thank you to the city of Linton for allowing us to dive at Sunset Park!

📸🌊:

05/04/2026

Congratulations to our newest PADI Divemaster, Pamela!🩵🤿

While at IU, she has attended multiple field schools in the Dominican Republic, worked in the Center for Underwater Science lab, and assisted with Academic Diving classes. All while working towards her PhD!

Pamela has been an incredible student, and we are so lucky to have her on our team!

04/10/2026

Academic Diving Professional Diver Development students wrapping up day 2 of boating clinic with an emphasis on navigation today

04/09/2026

Last artifact sneak-peak in the countdown because we’re only TWO DAYS away from the exhibit grand opening!!!

Today you might keep your spare coins in a piggy bank, but did you know they had something similar in the 16th century? This artifact is called a money box! It was recovered from Punta Espada, a 1550s shipwreck we have been actively researching in the Dominican Republic⚓️

We hope to see you all this Saturday, from 1-4pm at the IU Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology! Where you can learn about the money box and so much more🌊

(Plus, there will be and available👀)

04/01/2026

This week in our artifact countdown- a piece of a pirate ship🏴‍☠️

We are only 10 days from the grand opening of our exhibit “Shipwrecks: Living Museums”, and to celebrate we have another sneak peak…

This piece of teak wood is from the hull of the infamous Quedagh Merchant, captured by privateer Captain William Kidd in 1698. After its capture, Kidd was labeled a pirate and captured. He was sent to London and hanged in 1701.

This ship artifact helped archaeologically prove the identify of the Quedagh Merchant. Come to the IUMAA on April 11 to see it for yourself and learn more!

03/25/2026

Students this semester are having a blast learning to dive and sharpening their underwater skills! 🤿

But it’s already time to start thinking ahead to fall semester! Class sign-ups start soon, so don’t forget to add a SCUBA class to your schedule🫧

Send this to someone who should take SCUBA this fall! More details on our website, link in bio🫡

03/23/2026

We are now less than 3 weeks away from the grand opening of our exhibit! This week in the artifact countdown we are highlighting some 18th century contraband…

These silver coins are from La Nuestra Señora de Begoña, a shipwreck on the south coast of the Dominican Republic. In addition to regular cargo, the Begoña carried contraband. These items, such as coins and platters, were hidden away to avoid taxation. Everything was going to plan until one day the ship began to sink.

After searching for days to find a place to land, La Nuestra Señora de Begoña met her fate near the shore of the only sandy beach for miles. The crew was caught red handed and their contraband was confiscated. However, these coins remained hidden, stashed away in the ship as she went to rest on the sand.

You can learn about these coins and more at our exhibit, “Shipwrecks: Living Museums of the Sea” opening April 11th!

03/17/2026

These artifacts may not be from Ireland, but they’re still decked out in Saint Patrick’s Day green! ☘️

Fragments of a 16th C. Spanish green bacín or green lebrillo have some of the most beautiful green glaze.

The 16th C. Ivory sundial most likely developed its green hues from being next to a copper object for over 400 years underwater.

03/10/2026

It’s beauty, it’s grace, it’s an inkwell with a face!

Well, 6 faces, that is. And you can come see all of them in 1 MONTH at our upcoming exhibit at the opening April 11th!

This 16th Century inkwell has 6 sides, alternating male and female faces! But that’s not all. Can you spot the bird over the woman’s shoulder?

Come get a close-up look at this artifact and more at the “Shipwrecks: Living Museums” grand opening, April 11th at the IU Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.

03/07/2026

Busy night in the Pool Friday for Divemaster Candidate and Instructor Friends and Family Discover Scuba Night. Academic Diving Divemaster Candidates complete their Discover Scuba Scenario training. Thank you to all who participated!

02/14/2026

Niche underwater science valentines anyone?

xoxo, the Center for Underwater Science team❤️

Address

1025 E 7th Street HPER 058
Bloomington, IN
47405

Website

http://underwaterscience.indiana.edu/

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