Splash Into The Media Center
Sparta High School students and teachers have been busy assembling and managing a newly implemented fish tank in the media center. Not only is a small ecosystem taking hold right in the center of the school, but also a team of students, headed by biology teacher, Mr. Scognamiglio, is building a museum-inspired display on the wall. Through designing an interactive set-up, students will have the opportunity to learn in a hands-on manner and become aware of the different organisms that exist within a coral reef environment.
Lili Gorman, a SHS senior and a member involved with the fish tank, answered a few questions regarding the project:
Q: What role do the students play?
A: The students basically designed all aspects of the tank and the ecosystem within it with the guidance from Mr. Scognamiglio and Joe and Kieran from JK Fish. They also feed the fish everyday and clean the tank weekly.
Q: What do you hope to accomplish/what is the end goal of the project?
A: We hope to teach students about ecosystems by building our own. Many teachers like Miss Paiva have already incorporated the tank into their lesson plans and many students observe the tank often!
Q: How many times do you meet?
A: The sophomore AP Biology class of 2015 met many times throughout last school year, and then at the beginning of this year, we all joined together to put the tank together according to the design.
Q: How do you think implementing a fish tank will benefit the school?
A: I think implementing a fish tank in the school is a really great opportunity for teachers and students. Teachers can make fun lesson plans in accordance with the tank and students are able to learn about how the different fish and coral interact within the ecosystem. For me, the opportunity has been great because I'm majoring in marine biology, so I've learned a lot.
Q: When is the entire project estimated to be finished?
A: We hope that the final setup will be complete in a little less than two months. A display has been designed to fill the wall space around that tank and the finishing touches are being added. Then it will be manufactured and added to the wall so the project should be done soon!
Not only does the fish tank provide an innovative teaching and learning tool, but it also livens the school’s atmosphere and adds interest to students’ daily schedule. So don’t forget to stop by the MRC and plunge into our new ecosystem!
