The HHS marine biology class is filled with excitement as they are welcoming a brand new hands-on learning experience. Thanks to a grant from the Homewood City School Foundation, the class has received a state-of-the-art touch tank, known as the Sea Bus.
The 35-gallon, $4,500 touch tank houses a variety of invertebrates, including starfish, hermit crabs and shrimp. The tank is designed to allow students to interact with marine life in a safe and responsible manner.
Marine Science teacher Lily Walker explains that the project aims to have students engage more deeply. The touch tank is not just a teaching tool but also a way to foster some sort of curiosity and connection.
“I wanted to create a space where students could feel involved and responsible,” he said. “It’s amazing to watch them light up when they engage with these creatures.”
HHS junior Julia McAdams was particularly eager. Her partner had chosen a Halloween hermit crab named Forest, which would soon join the other creatures in the classroom.
However, the journey to setting up the sea bus wasn’t easy. The shipping process was complicated, and during transportation, some animals did not survive.
“It’s critical to maintain cleanliness and keep the animals in water to avoid stress,” Julia noted. reflecting on the lessons learned from these challenges .
Despite the challenges, excitement grew as the students got excited for the arrival of new animals. They hoped to add sea stars and sea urchins to their collection, enhancing their learning experience. The practical aspects of caring for these creatures like feeding them, observing their interactions, and maintaining their habitat , provided good information about into marine ecosystems.
As the school year passed, McAdams noticed a shift in student engagement.
“Kids who were once quiet began to ask questions and participate more actively,” she remarked. The touch tank changed the classroom atmosphere. “Even students who typically struggle academically found a sense of belonging through caring for the animals,” Walker added.
The sea bus was not just a classroom feature but it was also a community thing. Walker planned to take the touch tank to local elementary schools, with the goal of sparking some interest in marine biology in younger students. “It’s about sharing this experience and igniting curiosity in the next generation,” he explained.
With the sea bus in place, Julia thought she felt a growing sense of responsibility. She looked forward to sharing her new knowledge with classmates and younger students. “I’ve always loved marine life, but now I feel like I can really contribute to something bigger,” she said.
They are still preparing for the arrival of more creatures. Julia and her classmates were not just learning about marine biology but they were also experiencing it.
