Tank in the Classroom.

Mr.Rocc · Sep 14, 2017

So as some of you know I'm one of the teachers of the group. A 7th grade math teacher to be exact.(yes if your kid needs help on their homework you can message me! :)) I really have a ton of counter space and want to put a tank in my classroom, like super bad. However this won't happen until next year. So my question to you guys is, as parents of students, what benefits could you see your student having with a fish tank in the classroom? Also what negatives do you see?

I know I could just google this but... You guys and gals are all real people with real opinions so I would love to hear them!

Tuffyyyyy · Sep 14, 2017

I'm curious why you're asking. Do you have to justify it to the school? I think it's an excellent idea either way, was just wondering if you were looking for help making an argument.

Sandroni · Sep 14, 2017

It would really show this kids how important our reefs are and how sensitive they are. Negatives would be that they can get distracted during class.

Mr.Rocc · Sep 14, 2017

Just looking for a different point of view thats all. Theres no real argument with administration. I just wanted to know opinions.

sternicus · Sep 14, 2017

I would say that it can be very valuable having time out for the kids to look at. But punishments should be made if it becomes a distraction

Oceanwave45 · Sep 14, 2017

I think it's awesome! but maybe more for a science class rather than a math class... just my opinion. I think it would be difficult to tie the circumlum in with the reef tank maybe??? Maybe not???

Opus · Sep 14, 2017

Just make sure your school doesn't turn the air off on the weekends. I believe our local schools do to save on electricity costs.

You could bring math into it by showing how to do different conversions when doing different water tests.

Katrina71 · Sep 14, 2017

I think a tank should be welcome in any classroom. Any subject. Math is pretty intimidating to a lot of kids. Why not make the environment as welcoming as possible? + 1 support

sfin52 · Sep 14, 2017

Well from a math perspective it can be used as a way to teach formulas. Especially since it's a reef and all the elements that need to be added i.e. Calcium.

Aquariums tend to be a calming element to any space.

It could be a distraction for a short time till the novelty wears off.

My kids teacher has a fresh water tank in the class room and they love it.

Bulldog07 · Sep 14, 2017

I am a former teacher. Gave up a while ago and got into a lab setting. Long story. Anyway, I had a freshwater tank. While it was a bit of a distraction, it provided numerous advantages. It was used by a few of the adjacent rooms as the unofficial time out because of the calming nature. It was used as a reward system (you get to feed the fish if, you get to go look at the tank for x minutes if, and so on). It was used as part of numerous lessons. Eventually it was moved to the library to be shared by the school. A reef tank is a fantastic idea, and I applaud you for taking it on. I also thank you for shaping young minds.

Dsnakes · Sep 14, 2017

I would've loved that in a class back in the day! My only concern would be summer...take down and reset every year?

aphillips17 · Dec 12, 2017

I am a teacher with 2 salt water tanks in my room, I also have a wall covered with geckos and beardies, and 3 diff snakes. My kids absolutely love my animals and I run an animal care elective class that they take care of the animals in. It is great to know I am training future marine biologists and vets someday. I teach 7th grade. Any help you need email me and ill try to help

Dsnakes · Dec 12, 2017

aphillips17 said:
I am a teacher with 2 salt water tanks in my room, I also have a wall covered with geckos and beardies, and 3 diff snakes. My kids absolutely love my animals and I run an animal care elective class that they take care of the animals in. It is great to know I am training future marine biologists and vets someday. I teach 7th grade. Any help you need email me and ill try to help

How do you handle the saltwater tanks in the summer? Are they fish only or coral as well?

Xandernfs · Dec 13, 2017

I am also a teacher (8th grade science) and I currently have a crested gecko. I'd like to have a tank in the classroom, but the only space is where the gecko is located. The gecko is very EASY to care for since he eats dehydrated fruit. I have students care for him and take him over breaks. He doesn't require any UV or heat since the room temperature is good enough for him.

Anyways, I'd love to have a tank and if I do it is going to be FW since it's a lot easier to care for an won't have to worry about hauling RO water. I can just condition from the from the tap and I'll be good to go. The one thing I'm still unsure about would be the summer. I don't have a FW tank, nor do I want one at my house. The good thing is that I live .5 miles from my school so weekend maintenance would be too much of a hassle. I actually have a 29 ready to go once I decide to do it and a list on amazon. Unfortunately, 29 is as big as the space will let me.