"Nemo in the Classroom" or "Invertebrates in my Tank"

Funded Oct 21, 2009

Thanks so much for funding this project. The Animals are awesome. It was like the best Christmas morning ever with the oohs and ahs when they arrived. The kids are thrilled with all the new additions. We have a sea cucumber named Bananna Bob for its bright yellow color, a jellyfish (Cassiopia jelly I think) named Squishy and 3 awesome urchins named Spike 1,2 and 3 and a beautiful brittle starfish named Cinco. These are some of the favorites as well as many hermit crabs, a couple of flame scallops, a few snails, soft corals, a sponge and a few others.

We have had many teachable moments in just the couple of weeks that we have had them in our classroom. When someone asked what type of fish the sea cuke was we had a quick lesson about what is a fish. We have talked about the meaning of the name Echinoderm, looking at the Greek and Latin Roots, about tube feet, protection and camouflage and the unique protective behavior of sea cucumbers. They have enjoyed watching and observing behaviors of the organisms and I am going to start a journal and put it next to the take for children to write in as they observe behaviors. The enthusiasm is tremendous. Time to watch the tank is considered an extra bonus for finishing their work. As we begin to study hydrothermal vents we compare the animals there to the ones in our tank.

It has been a great addition to our classroom and I'm so glad that donors like you have made this possible. The kids were amazed that people they don't know, from far away places, wanted them to have the chance to see some of these amazing animals and made it all possible. They wanted to say thank you to you all. They may live very far from the sea but they definitely have a much better appreciation for it and it's creatures as a result of this project. I'm so glad that they can enjoy it and that with a little careful maintenance students will be enjoying them for years to come.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. You are deeply appreciated and you have made a difference in the lives of our students.”

With gratitude,

Mrs. Bartel