Touch Tanks for Kids Grant Information

Teaching Aquarium

The concept for an educational Touch Tank came from Jean Giberson an elementary school at West Harpswell Island School on the coast of central Maine.

Ask Community Leaders to Support your Aquarium Project

Aquariums provide participants with educational, social, and environmental benefits. Marine Eco’s Touch Tank is unique, durable, long-lasting, adaptable, portable, low maintenance, and accurately represent natural aquatic habitats

At the Chebeague Island School students get up close and personal with their surroundings as they interact with a salt water touch tank.

Chebeague Island Students

Each September students take a field trip to their local beach to search for sea life to inhabit the tank. Then they spend each day of the school year observing their catch! A local lobsterman brings in unusual creatures that end up in his traps.

Among the many types of sea-life are sculpin, flounder, crabs, lobsters, and various mollusks. The tank supports the Chebeague Island School’s mission:

Through hands on experience emphasized with inter-generational relationships from the island community and island resources the Chebeague Island School will strengthen students abilities to contribute to a positive and productive attitude, with respect for others and out environment.

The Maine based non profit Touch Tanks for Kids offers grants to help with your aquarium project. To become eligible:

1.Join the Touch Tanks for Kids Discussion Forum and make a post about how your group is going to improve the  Touch Tank program.

Join the Discussion: http://touchtanksforkids.org/forum1/index.php

2.Write an email or letter to the attention of the Touch Tanks for Kids Board of Directors. Describe your schools or programs financial need and a short statement regarding how your schools or program will seek additional funding for the touch tank project.

Send all 500 word or fewer requests to mikemartin@touchtanksforkids.org or mail to the Touch Tanks for Kids Board of Directors 22 Pearl Street, Biddeford, Maine 04005. Awards range from $500 to $5000 based on need and creativity.