My dream was fulfilled on the 1st of June 2006. I took my Grade 7 class to the Aquarium at the Waterfront. It was a wonderful experience for the learners, as for most of them it was their first experience there.
On Thursday the 1st of June two buses came to fetch us at 9am. The kids were so excited and you could feel the mood in the bus. They were singing, dancing and rejoicing because they were looking forward so much to the day. I took photos of them while they were singing.
We arrived at the Two Oceans Aquarium and went on a tour off all the different areas. Through all the experiences of the day, most of the learning outcomes I had planned were achieved. The kids really appreciated the wonders of nature, and there was a lot of hands-on activity involved. As they moved around the Aquarium, the learners had to collect data about different animals.
At the Aquarium’s classroom, the learners were given an opportunity to touch animals such as urchins and sea anemones. Although some of the learners were scared of touching these animals, it was a wonderful experience for others. They were told to take these animals out of the water. They were also asked to feel the tentacles of the sea anemone. They were grouped in groups of six, which worked very well. The learners asked many question, and each group was involved in discussing, arguing and comparing.
A challenge that I put for future excursions is that the learners should be given a task to complete after each activity they have completed in the Aquarium.
Learning Outcomes that were achieved are as follows:
Learning Area: Language
Language: Learning Outcome 1 – Listening
This was achieved in the classroom. Learners gave the teacher their undivided attention while he was presenting the lesson.
Learning Outcome 2 – Speaking
Learners were answering questions and asking some questions. They were also communicating in their groups during the discussion period.
Learning Area: Natural Science
Learning Outcome 1 – Scientific Investigation
After listening to a presentation in the classroom, the learners were able to investigate the question – why do we have different fishes in our oceans? They also had to investigate how factories use kelp to make toothpaste, ice cream cones and lipstick.
As a result of the presentation and tour in the Aquarium, learners will be able to apply this scientific and technological knowledge to real life situations.
Learning Area: Mathematics
Learning Outcome 3 – Space and Shape
Our learners were able to recognize the shape of a sea-urchin.
Some questions that the learners asked
Who brought these animals to the Aquarium and how?
Do all these animals reproduce?
Do sea anemones undergo reproduction?
Is it possible to differentiate between a male and a female sea anemone?
To conclude, it was a wonderful experience not only for the learners but for the educators too. Together with my learners, I would like to thank Teachers Dream and the Carl & Emily Fuchs Foundation. We warmly welcome your sponsorship and we hope that this is the beginning of a long-term collaboration between us. Again, we thank you so much for this!
