Each year, the Frenship Foundation for Leadership awards grants to Frenship teachers, providing funding for supplies, technology, instructional materials, and innovative lessons designed to ignite a passion for learning. Earlier this year, the aquatic science teachers at Frenship High School were awarded the funds to purchase aquatic habitats and advanced filtration units.
Inside the aquatic science classroom, students now have the unique opportunity to explore freshwater and marine ecosystems up close, thanks to the tanks provided through the Frenship Foundation grant. The hands-on setup allows students to directly observe aquatic species in action, examine the delicate balance of ecosystems, and gain a deeper understanding of water quality and its impact on aquatic life.
The tanks are beaming with life throughout the year, playing host to various animals and aquatic plants. From freshwater and seawater fish, snails, and shrimp, to crabs, sea stars, anemones, and even axolotls.
The addition of the new tanks has given students an in-depth look at animal behavior, water chemistry, and ecosystem dynamics. Robert Gentry, one of the aquatic science teachers at Frenship High School, shared that students are responsible for building and maintaining the tanks and their filtration systems. This responsibility allows them to directly apply classroom knowledge to the real-world care of living ecosystems.
“These kinds of interactive experiences are crucial for deepening their understanding of ecological concepts and preparing them for careers in environmental science, aquaculture, or related fields,” said Gentry.
The goal of incorporating these animals is to provide students with direct, hands-on experience observing animal behavior, water chemistry interactions, and ecosystem dynamics. Students monitored the water quality, observed feeding and social behaviors, and learned how small changes in the environment affect the health of an ecosystem.
The aquatic teachers feel that it is important for students to observe these animals in person because it brings science to life. Concepts like nitrogen cycling, animal adaptation, and interdependence become real and tangible.
The students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills by maintaining these systems, making adjustments, and observing outcomes in real time. They gained a deeper appreciation for ecological balance, animal biology, and environmental stewardship.
“As engaging as lectures are,” said Gentry. “The addition of live animals has added a level of excitement and curiosity to their learning that is difficult to achieve living in a region far removed from practically utilized aquatic environment resources.”
Gentry explained that the students thoroughly enjoyed having the animals in the classroom and even held contests for the most creative names. One of the most exciting moments in the class was experiencing the growth of the electric blue crawfish collection.
They started with one crawfish, and now we have a couple of hundred spread out through classrooms across the building, and a few have moved on to new homes with students. Gentry explained that nothing rivals the fascination and ownership that students assume when babies are first observed in a tank.
“There is a level of desire to learn everything about the animals at that point,” said Gentry. “Because the consequences of loss or success of growth are suddenly very real to our students. I have had so many students either start or express interest in starting a home aquarium, beginning a life-long hobby that is generally expensive, but so worth the time, money, and effort to achieve something phenomenal.”
As students take ownership of the ecosystems they help create, their curiosity and sense of responsibility grow. Gentry has seen this excitement extend beyond the classroom, with many students developing a lasting interest in aquatic life and even beginning their own aquarium journeys at home.
This immersive learning experience would not have been possible without the support of the Frenship Foundation for Leadership. Through their investment, Frenship students gained more than just a science lesson. They developed critical life skills, a deeper connection to the natural world, and a genuine excitement for learning that will carry with them long after the school year ends.
Gentry expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Frenship Foundation for Leadership for making this experience possible.
“Their support gave our students access to an enriching educational experience that sparked curiosity, encouraged responsibility, and deepened their understanding of the natural world,” said Gentry. “Thank you for investing in hands-on science and in the future of our students.”