Connections in the Reef Tank Field Journal

Mira’s Classroom Reef Journal

Mira’s class keeps a small saltwater aquarium beside a window. The class calls the aquarium a reef tank because it contains seawater, a low rock ledge, sand, algae, and two small snails. An adult checks the tank each morning. The students do not touch the animals or add anything without permission.

On Monday, Mira drew the rock ledge and sand. The ledge held a shallow area of water while the sand covered the lower part of the tank. Green algae covered parts of the rock. One snail rested on the rock below the water surface.

On Tuesday, the air bubbler was turned on for the class observation. Bubbles rose through the water, and ripples spread across the surface. The water moved a few grains of loose sand away from the base of the rock ledge. Mira saw the snail travel from the rock onto the sand.

On Wednesday, the class placed a clear cover over one small test tray and left a matching tray uncovered. Both trays began with the same amount of water. The trays stayed in the same room for the same length of time. The uncovered tray had more moving air above its surface than the covered tray. The class measured the water each afternoon.