1. Introduction

2. Basic
Principles

3. Set up

4.  Measuring Success

  The Classroom Aquarium
by
David Watson

Measuring Success
( chapter 4 )

Mrs. Feeney's Classroom Aquarium

As an aquarium gardener, I measure the success of a planted tank by the design features and robust growth of the aquatic plants.  However, I learned when working with a classroom aquarium, success has a much deeper meaning.  It's about learning and participating.  It's about discovery and understanding.

With the help of her students, Mrs. Feeney turned her barren aquarium into a thriving ecosystem--an ecosystem that would grow and change throughout the entire school year.  The aquarium became a center point for the class to gather around, and even served as a backdrop for the parent , teacher conferences.  It provided the class a chance to observe and make discoveries and participate in the responsibilities of maintaining their miniature ecosystem.

While I had some initial reservations about setting up a planted aquarium in a classroom, working with Mrs. Feeney's class was a rewarding experience.  It was nice to be able to share my knowledge of aquatic plants, and maybe even inspire a few budding aquarist along the way.