Fish in the Classroom Program Background:

Fish in the ClassroomIn 2006, The Florida Tropical Fish Farmers Association (FTFFA) Florida Aquarium (Tampa) and Verizon created “Aquariumania” an education and learning program to gain knowledge of the enjoyment and responsibility of owning fish. The Aquariumania program was funded by a $25,000 grant from Verizon and $30,000 from Hillsborough County.

The Pet Care Trust took over funding of the Fish in the Classroom

program in 2007. Since then, up to 50 teachers per year have been trained

on the Fish in the Classroom curriculum and provided with a fully equipped aquarium for their classrooms.

The Teachers’ Feedback to the Fish in the Classroom Program

“I am so excited to get the fish. My students will enjoy this program, especially those who do not have the opportunity to do this at home. Our kids never get to do this. They will love it. This is terrific!”

- Sherri Alvarez, DeSoto Elementary, 4th Grade teacher

“We really enjoyed the presentation of your workshop. It was very well executed and we were intrigued to the very end. We appreciate you getting back with us for our unanswered questions also. Job very well done. Bravo!”

–Cynthia Gadson, Kenly Elementary, 2nd Grade teacher

“I really enjoyed the workshop and I am so excited about setting up a new aquarium in my class. I bought my tank and all my supplies at Pet Supermarket, the manager was nice enough to give me a 20% discount in hopes to get more teachers to purchase from him. He also gave me a huge box of fish food that will probably last all the teachers at my school a few years. So I was able to get lots of really cool stuff for my tank, including a castle and treasure chest that opens up. I will send a picture when it is set up. I am planning on starting the first lesson tomorrow. Thanks again for this great opportunity, the kids are going to love it!”

–Caroline Turke, Roland Park K-8, 3rd Grade teacher