Impact to My Classroom

# of Students Impacted: 150

As I did not receive this grant at the beginning of the year, I was determined to see it happen regardless. I begged, borrowed and spent my own money for materials and used my "live species certification" to catch organisms in the wild. The students worked with me to prepare the 50 gallon tank, monitor the water quality and feed the fish, crabs and shrimp.

Not only was the process educational for all involved, but for many students it was the highlight of their day. The chemistry classroom with no windows is not a comfrtable space, but the aquarium along with plant light purchased from a previous grant really brightened the environment. 

 Some students would immediately go to the fishtank to check on the status when they entered the room. They named the fish and were willing helpers when it came to maintenance. I referred to the tank numerous times in my teaching and it was a very real and understandable concept when discussing pH, nitrogen cycle or the energy in a food web.

I personally also enjoyed the fishtank and was happy to enter the classroom each day and greet the occupants. The fish were taken in by Rookery Bay since they could not be kept for the summer and they were impressed with some of the species we had. Students learned of the care and concern required for them to take all the species and wanted pictures of their new home.

I am excited to do this project again next year with a full set of gear to make the process even better. I have purchased test kits, back up filter systems, live sand, lights, nets, etc. so students can better engage in the activity.

It was more than education and a platform for teaching connections, but also a remedy to stave off depression in many.