Westbrook, CT - Thanks to a generous, $3,400 grant from the Westbrook Foundation, as well as $2000 from the Westbrook Board of Education, high school Chemistry teacher, Ken Savage, was able to put his idea for hands on learning into action, with the use of a saltwater, tropical, marine reef aquarium.

“We wouldn’t have been able to make this happen without the grant from the Westbrook Foundation,” said Savage. “I am extremely grateful for these funds. This has allowed me to be able to outfit this aquarium with top shelf equipment that will last a very long time, and make for a much better display for the students to learn from and enjoy.”

Savage’s plan is to use the 100 gallon aquarium, which was donated by his neighbor, as a hands on learning tool for his Chemistry students, as well as his marine biology and animal studies classes. Senior Mary Papp, who plans on majoring in marine biology, next year at college, is already making good use of the new learning experience. She is doing an independent study project managing the aquarium. Part of her work is to care for the tank and its many, varied inhabitants, which currently include a live rock coral reef, a banner fish, a cardinal fish, a yellow tail damsel fish, a blue tang fish, a yellow tang fish and three clown fish. Papp is also working on a booklet, to accompany the aquarium, that will include in depth biological information about each fish.

“This aquarium has given the students a real sense of pride,” says Savage, who is delighted that he was able to enlist the help of the industrial arts class to build the stand for the aquarium. “My marine biology and animal studies classes are electives, so students from all learning levels are in them and to see them all work together, getting this aquarium prepared, cutting pipes, routing the piping, gluing everything and making it look good, was great. Sometimes the kids that need the most academic assistance do the best with this kind of hands on teaching.”

The aquarium is currently housed in the media center, adding a relaxing ambiance to this quiet area. Hopes are to include a small sitting area in front of the aquarium, so students can read and study by the iridescent glow of the professional level lighting system that simulates daylight, twilight, dawn and night. During the holidays and summer vacations, one of the janitorial staff, as well as Savage, who lives near by, will be taking care of the elaborate aquarium, which is electrically hooked into the schools generator in case of a power outage.

“The Westbrook Foundation is committed to funding good investments that will benefit the entire community and I think this aquarium fits the bill. Thanks to the grant monies, this teaching tool will be here long after I am,” said Savage.