Fins, fish and a few facts

Published: 1 November 2017

Educator Jack Brookie is taking National Aquarium's weird and wonderful biofacts on the road.

National Aquarium's Jake Brookie is taking the Aquarium's biofacts on a tour around Napier's primary schools.

Shark fins, tuatara skin and pickled fish are coming to many a classroom near you this term, thanks to a new programme by the National Aquarium of New Zealand.

National Aquarium Educator Jake Brookie is conducting a tour of local primary schools from the 10^th of November until the end of the school year, to show the Aquarium’s collection of biofacts. “Many of these items aren’t on public display, making this a great opportunity for everyone to learn more about these animals,” says Jake.

The National Aquarium has an extensive collection of animal biofacts, with some dating from the 1960s. Biofacts are preserved animals and animal parts used to educate about the species they came from.

Jake Brookie: "At the end of Term Four many schools are looking for fun opportunities, the chance to do something a little different. What could be more different than checking out a bottled flying fish?”

Schools that wish to be included can choose one of three themes: Under The Sea, Native Forests and Sharks. Each programme is 30 minutes long and is free. Bringing biofacts to the classroom offers a ‘hands-on’ opportunity for students. Students can use their senses to more fully experience these items, from touching a stingray barb, to taking a close look at a shark’s heart, or finding out what penguin feathers smell like.

Jake is very excited about the learning opportunities the programmes offer. “I have shown these biofacts at Taradale Library as part of Seaweek and am delighted to have been told people are sharing what they learned from them over a year later.”

“At the end of Term Four many schools are looking for fun opportunities, the chance to do something a little different- and what could be more different than checking out a bottled flying fish?” says Jake.

For more information, contact National Aquarium's Education Coordinator Carol Larson on Carol@nationalaquarium.co.nz.

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