I need professional virtual evaluation of our classroom aquarium systems, followed by online training in equipment operation and repair, troubleshooting tank conditions, selecting compatible sea creatures, and coral propagation.
FULLY FUNDED! Ms. Horne's classroom raised $2,424
This project is fully funded
My Project
In 2015 I set up a 130 gallon coral reef system in my classroom. Since then I’ve added additional boxes of ocean. I created a marine science elective and an important component is students caring for the fish, anemones, and many invertebrates. Over the years our tanks have experienced problems from power outages, malfunctioning equipment, and fluctuations in temperature and salinity, to pests, neglect during COVID-19 school closure, and serious algae issues.
I need professional development to learn how to resolve current problems and get each tank back on track, as well as training to improve my knowledge of reefkeeping, equipment options, stocking tanks with compatible animals, coral propagation, and techniques to combat pests and algae.
A professional from Automatic Aquariums will be able to provide this professional development virtually! Working from my classroom, I will be able to Zoom online with him remotely from the summer through next year. I have flexible cameras as well as microscopy and aquacontroller equipment so he can see each setup, data, and specific problems such as types of algae and coral damage. He will teach me how to assess and optimize water flow patterns, light readings, and other tank conditions, as well as techniques for dividing specific corals.
With this training I will improve the health of our tanks and be better prepared to instruct my students in ongoing aquarium care! Our class specialty is propagating corals to share and trade with other reefkeepers. This provides a greater diversity of species, increases survival of specimens by having pieces in different tanks, and reduces demand for wild collection. Aquarium care provides excellent applications of STEM concepts such as environmental and climate science, measuring, data analysis, teamwork, responsibility, and financial principles of aquaculture business.
Half of students from low‑income households
Data about students' economic need comes from the National Center for Education Statistics, via our partners at MDR Education. Learn more
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Ms. Horne and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
