Loma Vista Elementary School 2nd graders and special day class students had a visit from the Aquarium of the Pacific Friday, February 16, at their school to learn about sea life and their adaptations.
Two marine biologists from the aquarium taught students about different sea life, where they live in the Pacific Ocean, and about the qualities they possess that helps them adapt to their environment. Students were also able to see life size replicas of how large elephant seals and sharks get.
Some students were chosen to participate in an experiment about the importance of blubber. The biologists had a bucket of ice, in the bucket was a pouch of blubber that was sealed. One student put their hand in the pouch of blubber, and the other student put their hand directly on the ice, showing the difference and warmth that blubber provides animals.
After the assembly students were able to touch live animals in the portable touch tanks. Some animals that students were able to see and touch were sea urchins, star fish, and even small sharks.
"I enjoyed it because it gave us a lesson about the aquarium and we got to touch sea animals. It was a lot of fun,” one 2nd grader stated.
Loma Vista received a grant that enabled the aquarium on wheels to visit at no cost to PTA or parents. Students are also planning on writing thank you letters to the Aquarium of the Pacific thanking them for their visit.