Marine Biology Applied Learning aligned with Next Generation Science Standards

Moderation state
funded
Grant Applicant
Kelsea Adams
School Site
Tahoe Lake Elementary
Grant Category
Mathematics & Science
Grant Date
2024-06-01T12:00:00
Description

An interactive, aquatic tank will provide students with an opportunity to become fully immersed in the 4th grade next generation science standards. This real life science application with allow the students to have a "laboratory" setting in their classroom. Students will:

1) learn how to set up a model of an aquatic ecosystem to see how plants, animals and their environment interact. This also includes taking the temperature of the tank, checking the pH level, changing the filters, conducting water changes, etc.

2) learn how the internal and external structures of plants and animals function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.

3) learn how to record data on how animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways. 

Benefits of Program

All 4th grade students at TLE will benefit from this grant and become fully immersed in the following 4th grade Next Generation Science Standards with a live, interactive, aquatic ecosystem in their classroom.

4-LS1-1. Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction.

4-LS1-2. Use a model to describe that animals receive different types of information through their senses, process the information in their brain, and respond to the information in different ways. 

Success of Program

Success of this grant is evident through student engagement in our 4th grade classroom and their mastery of these 4th grade science standards. 4th grade students will be able to perform real science through water monitoring, biodiversity observations ( internal/ external structures, senses, behavior responses, etc.), food intake data, growth/size data, reproduction monitoring, etc. Taking care of an aquatic ecosystem and collecting data on the animals, plants and habitat is a unique opportunity that will generate excitement and appreciation for science. In addition, the tank will provide a unique learning opportunity for students to engage with a diverse aquatic ecosystem, which includes different plants and animals that are not native to our Tahoe area. 

Implementation

This grant will be used over the course of the 2024-2025 school year and for many school years after. I teach 4th grade at Tahoe Lake Elementary School and this grant will benefit all 4th grade students at TLE (about 60 students) each year. Being able to afford a full aquarium tank and ecosystem will allow all 4th grade students to become fully immersed in the real life application of the 4th grade science standards, specifically pertaining to the "Structure, Function, and Info. Processing of Plants and Animals" unit of study. This will provide hands-on and real-world learning opportunities for students to connect with aquatic ecosystems.

Can you share this grant with your grade level or subject team?

Yes - I can share this grant with my grade level teammates and students. In the past, 4th grade teachers and science teachers have each taken a science unit of study, and 4th grade students have "deployed" to the various teachers for each science unit (i.e. Structure/Function/Info. Processing of Plants and Animals, Waves and Information, History of Planet Earth, and Energy). I can be the 4th grade teacher responsible for the "Structure/Function/Info. Processing of Plants and Animals" science unit, and 4th graders can rotate to me for this unit of study. 

Sustainability
The grant is not fully sustainable. The food, animals and filter components for the tank cannot always be re-used and may require new purchases every year. However, some of the materials, like the tank, lights, filter, nets, rock substrate, etc. will be used for years to come.
Amount Funded
$1500.00
Individual Budget Items(s)
$1500 - 150-300 gallon fish tank and materials (filter, heater, thermometer, lights, substrate, fish, food)
Other funding sources

No- not yet.

Notes

I have my degree in Biology with a Marine Concentration from the University of Rhode Island, and I have had 6 plus years of experience working at the Long Island Aquarium and Exhibition Center. I have a plethora of knowledge in aquatic ecosystems and marine science, and I really want to bring this marine science education to Tahoe Lake Elementary School for all students to learn about :)