Gallery • 11 Photos

Mia Terrazzini

On Thursday, March 10, ACIT students in the Environmental Science and Ocean Science classes had the opportunity to go on a field trip to the Camden Adventure Aquarium. Teachers Mrs. Melissa Hannan and Mr. Michael Firda hoped to provide a place where the students could explore, learn, receive hands-on experience, and real-life exposure.

“There are so many different ecosystems represented at this aquarium,” said Mr. Firda. “The opportunity to see a new organism or to touch an organism you have never touched before is pretty great.”

Students were able to break up into groups and learn more about pH testing and keeping ocean life safe. The students were even given different samples of water to test on their own so that they could gain first-hand experience.

“It gives the students the opportunity to experience the …tasks of the marine biologists who work at Aquariums,” said Mrs. Hannan. “Marine biologists test the water because certain species of fish require a specific range of pH conditions in order to survive.”

Students in Ocean Science were able to apply knowledge that they are learning in class to the real world, such as how different types of water affect the fish, and different types of diets that fish have.

With the broad amount of exhibits, there was something for everyone to enjoy including birds, hippos, sharks, even penguins.

“Personally my favorite exhibit was the sharks,” said Lovendorff Verna. “I like to see the turtles too when they are swimming around.”

Along with the sharks, many students enjoyed the experience of the touch tanks where students could run their fingers along various marine creatures including stingrays.

Providing students with real world exposure to the diversity of local and global ocean life, the trip proved to be an educational success.