Ms. Bree Mireau’s Biology 11 class went to the Vancouver Aquarium on November 15 to look at marine life. This field 
trip is designed to give students an up-close experience of their course. In past months, students have looked at evolution, DNA, and microbiology. Going forward, looking at plants and animals are also on the agenda.
The most popular exhibits at the aquarium are Stellar’s Bay and Penguin Point (housing seals and penguins,) drawing thousands of visitors every year. Jellies were a big hit among the students.
‘Ceph Rogen,’ cleverly named after Canadian actor Seth Rogen, is an octopus who was also among the favourites of students. Ceph is a giant Pacific octopus, one of the largest and longest-living octopus species in the world. The new eight-legged aquatic animal is one year old.
“It was interesting to go behind the scenes and examine the similarities and differences between invertebrates,” said grade 11 student, Théa Erikson.
Vancouver Aquarium is also now home to an installation by famed Canadian artist, Douglas Coupland. Adeptly named ‘Vortex,’ 
this exhibit skillfully mixes art, science, thought-provoking reality, and the ocean in a beautiful artistic piece. Viewers take a journey through the many garbage patches that line our oceans.
“I think the trip was a good transition into our new unit on animals,” said Cristina Felekan, grade 11 student.
The aquarium also has a live feed of five animals: spotted jellies, jellies, penguins, sea otters, and underwater otters. Viewers can go online and watch them at any time during the day.
Despite being forced into a vortex of chaotic climate change, the Vancouver Aquarium is a leading force in environmental activism. The price might be high, though the experience is worth it.
Photos courtesy of Théa Erikson
