Sisters elementary students experience life in a tide pool

Sisters Elementary School students got a clear look at life in tide pools on Tuesday, May 7.

Oregon Coast Aquarium educators brought a little bit of marine science to Sisters. Students were totally engaged in the video presentation, viewed and touched hands-on exhibits, and some were chosen to dress up as animals that live in the tide pools. The kids learned how each animal moved, ate, and survived in their unique environment. And, to let the kids release a little of their pent-up excitement, they got to stand and dance to "The Tide Pool Tango" which was sung to the tune of "The Hokey Pokey."

A few fun facts that students talked about included: "I didn't know a barnacle attached itself to a rock with its head ... and they use their hairy legs to reach out and get their food ... anemones eat seaweed. ... barnacles make their own shell."

Students were eager to share what they thought about the assembly.

"I liked when the volunteer kids got to dress up," said Charlotte Seymour. "It was kind of funny because the costumes were funny and they acted out how they ate. Like, the sea star pukes out its stomach and then gets its food."

Andrew Schmidt said, "I liked the movie because we learned what lived in tide pools. And, I liked it when we got to see and touch the stuff on the tables. The big octopus tentacle (in a jar) was cool."

The Sisters Science Club sponsored the assembly and Bob Collins, president of the club, was in attendance. Collins told The Nugget how valuable he felt the assembly was.

"It's experiential and more than just looking at a picture in a book," said Collins. "The kids got to hear a real pro talk about the animals in her backyard, which is the tide pool. They got to be the animals and see and touch the specimens. It went through their sight, sound and body movement. They experienced the tide pool."