Students will engage in many activities and see applications of various science disciplines in the aquarium:
+ elements, compounds, acid-base chemistry
+ water quality testing, salinity adjustment
+ chemical reactions such as photosynthesis, cellular respiration, denitrification
+ symbiosis
+ genetics of clownfish (separate tank; we will not be breeding fish)
+ coral propagation to learn about tissue regeneration and sustainability
+ effects of lighting, temperature, seasons
+ motion, forces, fluid mechanics
+ dynamics of energy conversions and input-output cycles of matter
+ adaptations of organisms to their environment
+ data collection and analysis with electronic probes and traditional equipment
+ measuring and keeping logs of water parameters, additives, coral growth, temperature
+ differences between the natural ocean reef and the closed aquarium system
+ experience the impact humans have on the environment
+ responsibility, environmental stewardship
+ economics related to aquarium upkeep and acquiring specimens
+ asking questions and carrying out investigations
+ gain a deeper understanding of how science is done: the combination of science content from various disciplines and the skills required to ask questions, make sense of observations, use knowledge to solve problems, and communicate findings with others
+ learn about STEM-related careers (science, technology, engineering, math) and how other careers draw on science knowledge and process skills
TEACHERS: For details about the many benefits and many challenges of a classroom reef tank please contact me via the Contact page. I am happy to share my experience so far.
Tip #1: After-hours access available in case of problems is very important.
Tip #2: Use glass tanks. Enthusiastic students cleaning tanks containing sand = badly scratched acrylic.
Tip #3: Use a float switch on your RODI bucket to avoid overflow.
Tip #4: If you do not follow Tip #3, invest in Home Depot's $20 "BucketHead" to turn a 5g bucket into a ShopVac. On second thought, get one anyway.
+ elements, compounds, acid-base chemistry
+ water quality testing, salinity adjustment
+ chemical reactions such as photosynthesis, cellular respiration, denitrification
+ symbiosis
+ genetics of clownfish (separate tank; we will not be breeding fish)
+ coral propagation to learn about tissue regeneration and sustainability
+ effects of lighting, temperature, seasons
+ motion, forces, fluid mechanics
+ dynamics of energy conversions and input-output cycles of matter
+ adaptations of organisms to their environment
+ data collection and analysis with electronic probes and traditional equipment
+ measuring and keeping logs of water parameters, additives, coral growth, temperature
+ differences between the natural ocean reef and the closed aquarium system
+ experience the impact humans have on the environment
+ responsibility, environmental stewardship
+ economics related to aquarium upkeep and acquiring specimens
+ asking questions and carrying out investigations
+ gain a deeper understanding of how science is done: the combination of science content from various disciplines and the skills required to ask questions, make sense of observations, use knowledge to solve problems, and communicate findings with others
+ learn about STEM-related careers (science, technology, engineering, math) and how other careers draw on science knowledge and process skills
TEACHERS: For details about the many benefits and many challenges of a classroom reef tank please contact me via the Contact page. I am happy to share my experience so far.
Tip #1: After-hours access available in case of problems is very important.
Tip #2: Use glass tanks. Enthusiastic students cleaning tanks containing sand = badly scratched acrylic.
Tip #3: Use a float switch on your RODI bucket to avoid overflow.
Tip #4: If you do not follow Tip #3, invest in Home Depot's $20 "BucketHead" to turn a 5g bucket into a ShopVac. On second thought, get one anyway.