Coral reef room illuminates Eastern Passage classroom

Students at Horizon Elementary in Eastern Passage, N.S., are embarking on a unique art project that is bringing the wonders of the ocean to life right in their school.

Under the guidance of Melanie Kennedy-Conrad, a fine arts specialist with the Halifax Regional Centre for Education, grades Primary to 3 students have created a stunning glow-in-the-dark coral reef room. Using recycled materials, paper, and craft supplies, the students have crafted an array of sea creatures, including crabs, jellyfish, lobsters, clown fish, sea anemones, coral, and a large octopus.

The dark room is transformed under black lights, illuminating the students’ creations and creating a mesmerizing underwater world. The jellyfish appear to move around as if they were in the ocean, adding to the room’s immersive atmosphere. Ambient music further enhances the experience, transporting the students to an enchanting underwater realm.

When the students first explored the coral reef room, their reactions were priceless. Their eyes widened, jaws dropped, and they were captivated by the vibrant colors and intricate details of the sea creatures. Ava MacDonald, a Grade 2 student, expressed her delight, saying, “I really liked it because I like a lot of colors and it’s really colorful.”

The project was a collaborative effort that spanned several months. Kennedy-Conrad began working on the project in June, with the students starting to create the sea creatures in November. The process of making the creatures was not only fun but also educational. Students like Oliver Harpell and Nolan Snow shared their experiences of crafting the sea creatures with enthusiasm and creativity.

Through this project, students not only honed their artistic skills but also learned about the fascinating world of sea life. Kennedy-Conrad incorporated lessons about the symbiotic relationships between different species in the ocean, such as the clown fish and sea anemones. This hands-on experience allowed the students to gain a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems and the interconnectedness of marine life.

The coral reef room, which will be disassembled after the holiday break, was made possible through funding from Halifax Regional Arts. This supplementary funding tax from Halifax Regional Municipality supports enhanced fine arts programming across the Halifax Regional Centre for Education, providing students with opportunities to explore various art forms, including visual arts, music, drama, and dance.

Overall, the coral reef project at Horizon Elementary has been a magical and educational experience for the students, allowing them to unleash their creativity, learn about marine life, and create a truly enchanting underwater world right in their school.