Even though the habitats at Georgia Aquarium hold 10 million gallons of water, the facility itself uses only as much water as an average supermarket! Ready for more learning surprises? You are about to meet the Life Support Systems team from Georgia Aquarium and watch STEAM learning at work. To begin, you will view a video hosted by marine biologist Dr. Mike Heithaus. He will show you the three different types of filtration systems (mechanical, chemical, and biological) that process more than 90 billion gallons of water a year at Georgia Aquarium. After observing how 160 sand filters, 75 protein skimmers and 30 ozone contact towers work together to support over 100,000 animals each day, you will gain a better understanding of the flow of energy and matter in natural ecosystems. Following the video lead of Life Support Systems Manager, John Masson, you will choose an exhibit type and design your own aquatic habitat and filtration system!

If you have any specific questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to contact education@georgiaaquarium.org. Best fishes!

Download the Student Activities and Teacher Instructions for this episode.