At Cicerello's, the students are free to observe the aquariums, which hold more than 20,000 litres of water and house many local marine animals in near to their natural environments as possible. Our Tropical Aquarium is extremely popular and is a visual diversity of colours and textures. Come and see the Clownfish "Nemo" interacting with the anemones and his friends.
After walking around the aquariums and observing the fish, students are then seated at tables near the aquariums for a talk about the animals in the aquarium - from deadly Lionfish to colourful Starfish and from Sharks to Sea Horses and everything in-between. Students then participate in a 'hands-on Touch Pool' encounter with our more tolerant marine animals like Port Jackson Sharks, Starfish, Sea Cucumbers, and more.
They then join our Aquarium Manager for a Beach Combing exercise along Bather's Beach, only metres from Cicerello's (weather and time dependant). Here the students locate and identify debris washed ashore - sponges, seaweeds, sea urchins, shells, corals and sea grasses are all a common find.
The students then gather, with our Aquarium Manager, to identify and classify the group's collection and find from where it originates. Marine pollution is discussed and the effect it has on the marine environment is explained. If the weather is not suitable, and time is available, an optional worksheet can be provided where, depending on the age group, they either pick their favourite creature from the aquarium and draw it, or complete a question and answer sheet about the marine animals (assisted by our Aquarium Manager). You will need to bring pencils if this option is taken.
Students will then have lunch - either on Esplanade Park if the weather is fine, or if not, in the restaurant.