28000 Marguerite Pkwy
Mission Viejo, CA  92692
USA
 
Support for Educators:  
Aquarium & Aquaculture Science
 
Announcement: 
Check back for the latest information regarding Summer Workshops for local area High School Science Teachers!
 
This web site is provided as a source of information for educators that would like to incorporate or implement aquarium science into their science classroom or curriculum. Aquarium Science is not the same as marine biology or aquatic biology.  It is the application of  knowlege and skills combined with several other disciplines!  Aquarium science is truly an integration of many "real" sciences with overlapping vocational and artistic qualities.  Some call it "magic" for those that create beautiful, living and functional aquarium ecosystem, but in reality, it is the ability to apply the combined sciences and skills.  A good sound understanding of the biological, chemical and physical aspects, combined with mathematics, basic engineering, plumbing and even a bit of achitectural design can be greatly enhanced with artistic and imaginative mind, but to acheive the "magic" requires the ability to use the knowlege correctly!   The challenge, fascination, satisfaction and educational value of designing, setting up and maintaining a healthy marine aquarium is unquestionable to students, faculty, staff and visitors.  It is a powerful educational tool inwhich all sciences will be able to utilize for laboratory exercises!

It can also be quite frustrating if you haven't learned the secrets of keeping them. While there are many, web sites, books and references available for you to learn how to successfully keep a marine aquarium, nothing will prepare you faster than a "hands-on-approach" curriculum.  A few tips while you embark on this journey with your students:  Think about ecology and provide the life-support features that will be necessary for the particular assemblage of organisms you plan to keep. Focus on balancing the ecosystem. Think big on "filtration" wheather you go with a natural style (using marine algae and plants) or more chemical/physical (using proteing skimmers and absorbant/adsorbant media.) Stick with hardy, eurythermal and - haline, nutrient tolerant species  Use your chemistry, especially that of pH, alkalinity, and carbon dioxide to evaluate and predict problems.  Be sure to fill the ecological niches with organisms that will help keep it clean and recycle nutrients (i.e. grazing snails, detrivourous sea cucumber and worms etc.) The rest is up to you and your class. Now you can see how important balancing an ecosystem really is.

For additional information, please see my favorite links.
 
EDUCATORS 
How would like to implement AQUARIUM SCIENCE  into your course work? 
We are planning to offer summer workshops, targeted specifically for High School Science Teachers, to actively engage in basic, technical and effective activities relating to Aquarium/Aquaculture curriculum.  Please check back or request to be placed on our mailing list! 
I have completed and published a manual which contain; control notes, worksheets, lab exercises, miscellaneous tips, formulas and a long list of really good references for you to use to help you with course curriculum regarding  Aquarium Sciences.  Please view the current lecture and lab schedule  and see how you can implement this curriculum  into your existing program.  If you are interested in a copy, please contact me through email.. Indicate if you are an instructor and would also be interested in the supplemental instructor's packet as well (prep sheet for labs, answer sheets, workshop demos, diagrams, vendors and product lines, answer keys, test and quiz bank...)
Contact:  Julie Anderson;  Janderson@saddleback.edu or call:  (949) 582-4657
                        Sr. Lab Technician & Associate Faculty:
                        Biology and Marine Science Technology
                        Aquarium & Aquaculture Science
 
About the Author:
Ms. Anderson has maintained saltwater aquariums for over 30 years at home and at work.  She proposed and wrote the marine aquarium science curriculum, designed, implemented and assembled the current marine aquarium facility and oversees several multiple and stand alone systems and collects, propagates or acquires the various marine organisms. The facility provides an incredible opportunity for training and educating students toward a rewarding career in the current explosion of marine ornamental propagation, conservation and research opportunities.
Please see: Aquarium & Aquaculture Science Program  for more information.
 

 
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Last updated: 5/06