New Exhibit entitled Life on the Reef to Open at The Living Planet Aquarium on May 29, 2008.
About the exhibit:
Coral reef education and conservation provide the inspiration for The Living Planet Aquarium's newest exhibit, "Life on the Reef," opening May 29, 2008. The exhibit, funded by a grant from the Utah Office of Museum Services, features marine life found in Indo-Pacific tropical waters.
A 1,000 gallon tank surrounded by four jewel tanks offers visitors a close look at the beauty and structure of coral communities and the animals that feed, rest, hide and make a home in this habitat. The large tank offers a glimpse at a bustling coral community with a diverse array of colorful corals and fish.
The jewel tanks show how certain coral reef inhabitants make homes for themselves or find meals on the reef. For example, the clownfish makes a home in the stinging tentacles of the sea anemone without ever being stung while the engineer goby digs a home beneath the coral´s surface. Tanks also feature the feeding habits of the camouflaged frogfish and animals considered "reef janitors" that feed off the parasites of other fish.
Aquarium CEO Brent Andersen wants visitors to understand the importance of protecting the earth´s coral reefs. "Coral reefs are the largest structures on earth and they are as biodiverse as tropical rainforests. These structures are also in danger. Nearly 10 percent of the world´s reefs have been destroyed and reef decimation is occurring at an alarming rate. We hope that by bringing coral reefs to Utah families and school children that we can foster greater knowledge and concern for these amazing structures.
Andersen continues, "We realize that children are the future custodians of the environment. They cannot be expected to meet this challenge without the necessary expertise; yet the majority of our young people have never come in contact with the ocean, nor had the opportunity to understand their own water-dependent environment"
The Value of Water
Friday, February 1, 2008
By BETH YOUNG
Standard-Examiner staff
Snakes, salamanders and toads, oh my!
LAYTON -- When Mountain View fourth-graders learned Thursday that the water they drink was the same water cavemen once bathed in, they responded with a loud, "Eeeew!"
However, most had no problem petting the garter snake that was also part of the Living Planet Aquarium's Utah Waters Van visit to their school.
The outreach program travels to all of the school districts in Utah to teach students about water cycles and conservation.
"There is only 3 percent of fresh water, 2 percent of it's trapped in glaciers, and so we only have 1 percent for the whole world," Nathaniel Njie-Woods said about what he had learned.
Because the content of the program goes along with the state core curriculum, the information wasn't new, but the way it's presented sparks the students' attention.
"It's better than a normal science class because you get to see real animals," said fourth-grader Nicole Davis.
The students learned about wetlands and saw a tiger salamander and a boreal toad.
With two interactive models, the students learned the importance of water. Students saw how water is used for irrigation, electricity and in homes. With real fog and a dripping cloud, the students could also see weather in action, just on a smaller scale.
"I think that's really important for them," said Carolyn Adler, Living Planet Aquarium education presenter. "It sticks in their minds a little more if they can see it."
Fourth-grade teacher Richard Whitehead said the program is a great resource for the students.
"This is a very enjoyable way of learning about the water cycle," he said. "Variety is a very good way to reinforce concepts. Their presentation actually follows along with the core curriculum very well."
By teaching the students about the importance of water, both locally and globally, presenters hope they also can get them to conserve it.
"You guys, as fourth-graders, have an important job. You have the ability to save and not waste the water that we have here on Earth," Adler said.
The students learned of ways they can do their part to conserve.
"When you are washing your hands or brushing your teeth, turn the water off and then turn it back on when you need it," said fourth-grader Kloe Frew.
In addition to the Utah Waters Van, the Living Planet Aquarium, located in Sandy, also has a Rainforest Van that visits second and third grades. Last school year, the program reached more than 37,000 Utah students.
"It's something that all of us who work here have a passion for," said Kira Smedley, Living Planet Aquarium education presenter. "So it's great to share that with them. It's fun when you get them excited about it, too."