The SMMAS School program is now in full swing with TWO schools participating in our program to reach the next generation of Marine Hobbyist. Our goal is to teach these children about the dangers our natural reefs face today and what we can do as hobbyist to help.

A very nice 75 gallon reef display was set up 3 years ago at the Little Flower School in Great Mills and is being supported by SMMAS members Mike Howell. Classes are being taught to the 4th and 6th graders every week about the dangers our coral reefs face today and how we can save a reef by growing our own. They started with the quick and easy to grow coral xenia; now they are working with other corals as well and seem to enjoy every aspect of marine husbandry. We have discussed virtually all areas of starting and maintaining a saltwater aquarium, with the students actually doing the work themselves. The students have propagated many different types of corals and plan to sell them to help offset the cost of maintaining their reef aquarium. We have also started an after school reef club for those students that want to "kick it up a notch" and become more involved in the hobby.

Our second school in this program started 2 years ago, with SMMAS members Dana and Cale Benefield supporting Kings Christian Academy. Dana is teaching the 4th, 6th, through 10th graders every week on all aspects of Marine aquarium keeping. She is also developing a lesson plan so that SMMAS can document and standardize our teaching program. A very nice 58 gallon Oceanic tank has been set up with donations from SMMAS members and MARCO Rocks to add all those key items that make a salt water aquarium function.

If you would like to help out on any of these projects please contact Mike (cmacmike) or Dana (MBintraining) either by email or PM in the forum section.


KCA Club Sponsored Tank