Observing and Learning About Marine Life at Blue Point Elementary

Blue Point Elementary School first graders are taking an up-close look at several species of marine life this spring as they work to maintain a 10-gallon saltwater aquarium. 

As part of their science and English language arts curriculum, the students have been learning about animals and their habitats, and the classroom tanks will enable them to delve into the subject matter on a deeper level.

In conjunction with the grade’s Earth Day celebration, a representative from the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County visited the building and presented a program called “Discovery Tank.” 

During the visit, the students were introduced to saltwater creatures such as sea stars, shellfish, hermit crabs, snails and fish. They had the chance to touch many of the animals before placing them in the classroom tank and learning about how to care for them for the next several weeks.

As the classes help to maintain their tanks, the teachers will be incorporating a variety of educational projects into the experience, including having the students write original stories about their aquarium based on their observations.

Photo provided by the Bayport-Blue Point School District