- Location
- Brooklyn, NY
As some of you know, I have been working with the science teacher at my son's public elementary school ( PS 58 in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn) to set up a few small marine aquariums in the science lab with the 5th graders. These have become their capstone science fair project, and are tying into a more generalized school-wide initiative on the Environment and Global Warming. It has been amazing to see or hobby put into action as an educational tool in such a tangible way. By its very nature, I and the kids have been forced to discuss Biology, chemistry, eco-systems, engineering, budgeting, planning etc. and I have been told that these discussions have engaged kids that often struggle in school in a very positive way.
Last Friday, the students and I with the help of Brett ( bad coffee) and my buddy Tristan set up the two systems. It was a blast and garnered a level of engagement from the students that was palpable to the teacher. Since we used very cured live rock and mature sand, I was hoping there would be a minimal cycle, and I am happy to report that as of this morning Ammonia and Nitrite readings are pretty much non-existant. I even brought in a few test organisms ( some zoanthids and yellow polyps) and am even happier to report that they began to open almost immediately
The goals for these systems are modest, and the hope is that the most motivated of the students will begin to assume responsibility for the routine maintenance of the systems.
System 1 is a 36"L 20 g. tank that I have had hanging around for years. BC provided a PC lighting fixture and I purchased a nano stream for circulation, and added a small submersible filter to run carbon. The inhabitants will be easy to keep Zoanthids, mushrooms, polyps, a few small fish and assorted inverts. Water quality will be maintained by weekly small water changes performed with the kids.
System 2 is a 24g. JBJ Nano Cube that was donated by Tony (Tosiek) and is pretty much plug and play. This system will eventually house a RBTA donated by Pierce (Cali-reef) and a pair of clownfish, again using weekly WC's as the primary means for maintaining water quality.
Additional MR support has come from Jim ( House) who donated the live rock and sand and a few zoanthids, shrooms etc., and Mike( Slamajama) who did the same.
James Lawrence from Microcosm Publishing has also donated a set of reef reference books to the school which has proved a tremendous benefit to the kids.
The Near Future-- On Friday, the school is holding their annual science fair where the kids will present the aquariums and their research to other students, parents, and guests. In attendance will be representatives from the Children For Children foundation who gave a grant to the school for the larger environmental initiative. They are reportedly bringing "the media" with them and I have been asked if MR would like to have a presence during the event. If anyone is interested in attending Friday morning in the 9-12 range, please let me know via PM. I view it as a tremendous opportunity to fore-ground our hobby in a positive light and for me at least, the eductional aspects of our obsessive past-time are a big part of why I am so involved.
The Not-So-Distant Future-- After next week's spring break ( assuming the tanks survive) I will begin to add organisms in earnest. If anyone ( member or Vendor) is interested in donating anything appropriate to the project please let me know.
I'll keep you posted as things develop and of course--photos will be forthcoming
Randy
Last Friday, the students and I with the help of Brett ( bad coffee) and my buddy Tristan set up the two systems. It was a blast and garnered a level of engagement from the students that was palpable to the teacher. Since we used very cured live rock and mature sand, I was hoping there would be a minimal cycle, and I am happy to report that as of this morning Ammonia and Nitrite readings are pretty much non-existant. I even brought in a few test organisms ( some zoanthids and yellow polyps) and am even happier to report that they began to open almost immediately
The goals for these systems are modest, and the hope is that the most motivated of the students will begin to assume responsibility for the routine maintenance of the systems.
System 1 is a 36"L 20 g. tank that I have had hanging around for years. BC provided a PC lighting fixture and I purchased a nano stream for circulation, and added a small submersible filter to run carbon. The inhabitants will be easy to keep Zoanthids, mushrooms, polyps, a few small fish and assorted inverts. Water quality will be maintained by weekly small water changes performed with the kids.
System 2 is a 24g. JBJ Nano Cube that was donated by Tony (Tosiek) and is pretty much plug and play. This system will eventually house a RBTA donated by Pierce (Cali-reef) and a pair of clownfish, again using weekly WC's as the primary means for maintaining water quality.
Additional MR support has come from Jim ( House) who donated the live rock and sand and a few zoanthids, shrooms etc., and Mike( Slamajama) who did the same.
James Lawrence from Microcosm Publishing has also donated a set of reef reference books to the school which has proved a tremendous benefit to the kids.
The Near Future-- On Friday, the school is holding their annual science fair where the kids will present the aquariums and their research to other students, parents, and guests. In attendance will be representatives from the Children For Children foundation who gave a grant to the school for the larger environmental initiative. They are reportedly bringing "the media" with them and I have been asked if MR would like to have a presence during the event. If anyone is interested in attending Friday morning in the 9-12 range, please let me know via PM. I view it as a tremendous opportunity to fore-ground our hobby in a positive light and for me at least, the eductional aspects of our obsessive past-time are a big part of why I am so involved.
The Not-So-Distant Future-- After next week's spring break ( assuming the tanks survive
) I will begin to add organisms in earnest. If anyone ( member or Vendor) is interested in donating anything appropriate to the project please let me know. I'll keep you posted as things develop and of course--photos will be forthcoming
Randy
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