As they draw the ecosystem they learn much about the community as a unit. In creating the food web, students must investigate and research the various eating habits of each animal. Usually as the students become involved much more is learned than just the minimal facts needed to develop the reef. The students seem to become immersed in the topic, and many bring in sea shell collections to share with the class. I also have noticed an increased interest in the class aquarium.
Students differentiate between freshwater and saltwater fishes.
Many of the students discuss the feasibility of setting up home aquariums. I always recommend they start with freshwater set-ups due to cost and simplicity. As all the coral reefs are collected they are displayed on the wall in the classroom. As the wall is filled it takes on the look of a wall in the aquarium store, where each scene resembles a tank. I invited the kindergarten to visit the classroom and view the display.