There was something “fishy” happening at North Hornell Elementary School and it quickly turned into an ocean of excitement! Kindergarten students recently transformed their STEM learning into an interactive, schoolwide “aquarium,” inviting families to dive into the world of ocean life right inside their classroom. What began as a hands-on exploration of fish and sea creatures soon grew into an unforgettable experience led entirely by students.
During STEM class, students investigated a variety of ocean specimens, including shells, pufferfish, starfish, sponges, crabs, and horseshoe crabs. A highlight for many was the discovery table, where they could touch and examine real items, looking inside shells and even listening carefully to hear the ocean through a large conch shell.
After seeing the excitement and curiosity sparked during these lessons, teachers worked together to expand the experience. With support from staff, students were matched with roles that showcased their strengths, preparing them to take on important responsibilities as part of the “North Hornell Aquarium.”
Families were invited to attend throughout the day, with each class hosting during its STEM block. Students eagerly practiced their roles and helped set up the space, ready to welcome visitors. The aquarium featured several engaging stations. Guests were greeted by student ambassadors and welcomed at a “ticket booth” (free for the grand opening). One standout exhibit was an “under-the-sea” I Spy station, creatively designed beneath a table wrapped in clear plastic to resemble water, complete with shark fins above. Students guided visitors through the activity while explaining concepts such as why pufferfish puff up and how starfish can regrow limbs.
Hands-on learning continued at touch-and-feel stations, where visitors explored shells and other ocean items, including broken or cut shells that revealed their inner structure. Another table challenged guests to match shells to pictures, with students offering helpful hints along the way. A “funny names” station introduced shells with unique names like flamingo tongue, bear claw shell, and pencil shell. One of the biggest hits, especially for younger students, was the sand station, where children searched for hidden shells.
Each student proudly wore an official lanyard featuring their name and photo, identifying them as aquarium “staff.” For many, it was an exciting responsibility, some even noted they could now help open doors as part of their role. The North Hornell Aquarium welcomed over 100 parents, along with Pre-K students.
“It was truly a wonderful experience, and I’m excited about the opportunity to make this an annual event,” said North Hornell Principal Kate Wall. “I’m so appreciative of the way our STEM teacher Ms. Walter created this meaningful learning opportunity for our students. Our students took real ownership of their stations, they were proud and genuinely excited to share their learning with the family members who visited the aquarium.”