Educational Rooms

Overview

Nestled within the captivating Aquatis Aquarium-Vivarium in Lausanne, Switzerland, the Educational Rooms serve as dynamic hubs for fostering environmental awareness and understanding. These dedicated spaces are central to Aquatis's overarching mission: to inspire a deeper connection with freshwater ecosystems and promote sustainable development. Far from being mere classrooms, these areas are designed for immersive and interactive learning, offering a unique blend of scientific exploration and engaging activities. They provide a vital extension to the main exhibition, allowing visitors, particularly younger ones and school groups, to delve deeper into the complexities of aquatic life and the critical importance of water conservation. The philosophy here is very much 'learning by doing,' encouraging hands-on experimentation and discovery.

History & Cultural Background

The commitment to education at Aquatis is deeply rooted in the vision of the Aquatis Foundation, established in 2007. This foundation plays a pivotal role in promoting environmental education and sustainable development, with the Educational Rooms being a direct manifestation of this core objective. The foundation supports and finances educational initiatives, conservation programs, and public awareness campaigns directly within the Aquarium-Vivarium. The content and activities offered in these pedagogical spaces are not arbitrarily created; they are developed in close collaboration with scientists and research organizations. This ensures that the information conveyed is accurate, up-to-date, and aligned with current understanding in species protection, environmental management, and water conservation. This scientific rigor, combined with an engaging approach, reflects Switzerland's broader cultural emphasis on education and ecological responsibility.

What Makes It Special

What sets the Educational Rooms apart is their innovative approach to learning. They transcend traditional educational models by integrating observation, hands-on activities, drawing, and games directly into the learning process. These 'pedagogical spaces' are specifically designed to complement the immersive journey through the aquarium-vivarium, allowing concepts introduced during the main tour to be explored in greater detail. For instance, workshops focus on themes like the feeding habits, morphology, and habitats of fish, directly correlating with the diverse species seen throughout Aquatis. Another special aspect is the careful alignment of workshop content with regional learning plans, making it a valuable resource for local schools. This ensures that the learning experiences are relevant and directly applicable to students' curricula, enriching their understanding of science and environmental studies. The flexibility to offer workshops in multiple languages further enhances their accessibility and impact.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The Educational Rooms at Aquatis bring learning to life through memorable experiences. Imagine a group of 6-8 year olds participating in a workshop titled 'There is no accounting for tastes (and colours)!' where they use observation, drawing, and games to uncover the secrets of fish diets and habitats. Or perhaps older children, aged 8-12, engaging in 'My neighbor's a fish!', exploring the ecological needs of local fish, the impact of pollution, and river management. These titles themselves tell a story, hinting at the playful and inquisitive nature of the activities. These workshops are not just about facts; they are about sparking curiosity and building empathy for the aquatic world. The interactive elements, often involving laboratory sessions combined with explorations on the exhibition tour, create a seamless transition between theoretical knowledge and real-world observation. This 'learning by experimenting' philosophy is a fun and effective way to connect visitors with the delicate balance of freshwater ecosystems, often highlighting local Swiss aquatic environments before venturing into global contexts.

Visitor Perspective

From a visitor's standpoint, the Educational Rooms transform a visit to Aquatis from a passive viewing experience into an active journey of discovery. For families, these spaces offer structured, engaging activities that deepen children's understanding and retention of environmental concepts. School groups find tailored programs that align with their educational goals, led by specialists who can guide them through complex topics such as water and the environment or sustainable development. The ability for students to learn about the life cycle of fish or the effects of pollution through direct engagement, rather than just reading about it, makes a lasting impression. These rooms are instrumental in making the abstract concepts of ecology and conservation tangible and relatable, inspiring young minds to become stewards of our planet's most vital resource: water. The experience is designed to be interactive and stimulating, ensuring that environmental education is both impactful and enjoyable for all ages.