Collegewood first graders got a close-up look at life-size inflatable great white shark during the Aquarium of the Pacific education assembly.
Photo Credit: Kelli Gile
By Kelli Gile
Walnut – Collegewood Elementary first graders experienced Pacific Journeys during an educational assembly presented by the Aquarium of the Pacific on April 11.
Students traveled the globe during the interactive presentation to learn about ocean inhabitants and their unique adaptations for survival in a watery world. Following the program, they experienced a hands-on opportunity to touch local marine life in the aquarium on wheels parked in front of the school.
“The program addresses sea life and how it connects to our world, perfect for our Common Core curriculum,” said teacher Jane Dyer-Smith.
The group of over 60 students squealed as a life-size elephant seal and 22-foot great white shark inflated right before their eyes. “The biggest great white was almost 8,000 lbs.,” said Aquarium educator, Nick Stong.
After the presentation, the youngsters went outside to the traveling aquarium for a close-up look at sea life. In groups of four, the children entered the ocean on wheels, keeping quiet so they wouldn’t scare the animals. They used two fingers to gently touch sea stars, sea anemones, sea urchins, starfish, and swell sharks kept in specialized touch tanks. It was an amazing interactive experience that the children really enjoyed.
