Hey DFWMAS
My name is Josh, and I teach 6th Gr. Science in Mesquite ISD. Ill give you some background first. I have taught 6th and 8th grade science at New Middle for the past seven years. With the help of many great members here on DFWMAS I setup a 75 gallon display aquarium for our school that was amazing for our students. It was an awesome experience for my students, upcoming 6th, and 7th graders, as well as for myself. Not only did my students benefit but I have students that have asked me for the past 2 years to setup another tank because they remember the tank I once had there.
For the 2014-2015 school year, I am starting an aquatic science club at a Shaw Elementary where I will be teaching 5th grade science. Part of our curriculum is setting up aquariums and terrariums in class, and as the clubs only sponsor at the moment, I have large goals and ambitions for the club. I am opening it up to 4,5, and 6th graders who will learn about aquatic science, as well as starting, and maintaining their own tanks (basically any aquatic environment they choose). I have one 10 gallon tank and a 20 gallon tank to start the club with but would like to look for small 5 gallon tanks. I am thinking something along the lines of simple fish like glofish or guppies.
If you have anything laying around you are not going to use, or have anything for sale, please let me know.
Below is the overview of the club: Let me know what you think.
Finally put together an overview of the Aquatic Science Club. Let me know what you think. Questions/Comments/Concerns are welcome and appreciated.
Thank you in advance so much,
Mr. Josh Waymire M.S.
5th Gr. Science
Shaw Elementary
Mesquite ISD
Groups will choose type of tank and organisms
I will provide tank and filter (obviously need to get some tanks and filters)
-Addl. Materials are first come, first serve
Buying fish/organisms are not required – collection is acceptable
Students must either release or find a home for any organisms in June
Part 1: - Research
• Introduce types of tanks
– Based on general ecosystems
• Student groups defined
• Choose type of tank
• Research that tank, complete handout
– Choose animals
– Determine needs:
• Habitat
• Water quality
Part 2: Approval
• Conference with each group
• Student comfort with their tank
– Knows organisms
– Knows water quality
– Knows needed habitat
• Teacher signature required before they can continue
Part 3: Tank Setup
• Clean tank
• Add substrate
• Make habitat and add filter
• Add correct water
– Salt water – RO Water + Salt
– Fresh water – tap water with conditioner
• Add hardy critters – molly’s/hermit crabs
• Filter water for at least 3 weeks
– Monitor nitrogen cycle for spike
– Make sure all other parameters are stable
• Add animals
Part 4: Maintenance
– Test water quality
– Once per week
– Students rotate, each are responsible for a week
– Document on student data sheet
• Requires my signature before complete
– Feeding
• Must know what their species need
• Don’t overfeed – no more than once /day at the most
My name is Josh, and I teach 6th Gr. Science in Mesquite ISD. Ill give you some background first. I have taught 6th and 8th grade science at New Middle for the past seven years. With the help of many great members here on DFWMAS I setup a 75 gallon display aquarium for our school that was amazing for our students. It was an awesome experience for my students, upcoming 6th, and 7th graders, as well as for myself. Not only did my students benefit but I have students that have asked me for the past 2 years to setup another tank because they remember the tank I once had there.
For the 2014-2015 school year, I am starting an aquatic science club at a Shaw Elementary where I will be teaching 5th grade science. Part of our curriculum is setting up aquariums and terrariums in class, and as the clubs only sponsor at the moment, I have large goals and ambitions for the club. I am opening it up to 4,5, and 6th graders who will learn about aquatic science, as well as starting, and maintaining their own tanks (basically any aquatic environment they choose). I have one 10 gallon tank and a 20 gallon tank to start the club with but would like to look for small 5 gallon tanks. I am thinking something along the lines of simple fish like glofish or guppies.
If you have anything laying around you are not going to use, or have anything for sale, please let me know.
Below is the overview of the club: Let me know what you think.
Finally put together an overview of the Aquatic Science Club. Let me know what you think. Questions/Comments/Concerns are welcome and appreciated.
Thank you in advance so much,
Mr. Josh Waymire M.S.
5th Gr. Science
Shaw Elementary
Mesquite ISD
Groups will choose type of tank and organisms
I will provide tank and filter (obviously need to get some tanks and filters)
-Addl. Materials are first come, first serve
Buying fish/organisms are not required – collection is acceptable
Students must either release or find a home for any organisms in June
Part 1: - Research
• Introduce types of tanks
– Based on general ecosystems
• Student groups defined
• Choose type of tank
• Research that tank, complete handout
– Choose animals
– Determine needs:
• Habitat
• Water quality
Part 2: Approval
• Conference with each group
• Student comfort with their tank
– Knows organisms
– Knows water quality
– Knows needed habitat
• Teacher signature required before they can continue
Part 3: Tank Setup
• Clean tank
• Add substrate
• Make habitat and add filter
• Add correct water
– Salt water – RO Water + Salt
– Fresh water – tap water with conditioner
• Add hardy critters – molly’s/hermit crabs
• Filter water for at least 3 weeks
– Monitor nitrogen cycle for spike
– Make sure all other parameters are stable
• Add animals
Part 4: Maintenance
– Test water quality
– Once per week
– Students rotate, each are responsible for a week
– Document on student data sheet
• Requires my signature before complete
– Feeding
• Must know what their species need
• Don’t overfeed – no more than once /day at the most