Following a Drop of Water: Our Day at OdySea Aquarium

Fifty sixth-grade students from Florence Unified School District's Circle Cross Ranch Elementary had the opportunity to spend the day exploring OdySea Aquarium through Natural Restorations' Legacy Tree Project.

The students' adventure began in the lobby, following a single drop of water from streams and rivers through lakes and wetlands to the shoreline and into the deep ocean. Along the way, they discovered an incredible variety of animals and ecosystems that depend on water. From freshwater fish and river wildlife to sharks, stingrays, sea turtles and octopuses, there was something new to discover around every corner.

Our students spend much of their time learning about the Sonoran Desert, so exploring so many different ecosystems just an hour from home was a wonderful experience. It gave them the opportunity to see what these environments have in common despite how different they look and how connected our natural world really is.

One of the highlights of the visit was exploring OdySea Aquarium's coral exhibits. The students learned that coral is being grown right here in Arizona. We look forward to returning to see how it grows and changes over time.

OdySea Aquarium is growing coral underwater, while Natural Restorations is growing saguaros and ironwood trees in the middle of the desert. Although these projects take place in very different environments, both show that growing something is only part of the story. Understanding why it matters, what it needs to survive and how our choices affect the environment around us is just as important.

This experience was made possible through the ongoing partnership between Natural Restorations and OdySea Aquarium. Both organizations are committed to conservation, education and creating meaningful opportunities for students to experience the natural world firsthand. Because of their support, the Legacy Tree Project can connect classroom learning with experiences that help students better understand the environments around them. We are grateful to OdySea Aquarium for making this memorable day possible.

Want to learn more? Read OdySea Aquarium's story about its new coral exhibits.