Educational Rooms

Overview

The Educational Rooms at Aquatis Aquarium-Vivarium in Lausanne, Switzerland, serve as dynamic hubs for environmental education and discovery. Situated within Europe's largest freshwater aquarium and vivarium, these dedicated spaces are integral to Aquatis' mission of raising awareness about the fragility of aquatic ecosystems and promoting sustainable development. Visitors of all ages, from school groups to adults, can engage in interactive workshops and guided experiences that complement the immersive journey through various freshwater environments from five continents.

Beyond the impressive displays of nearly 10,000 fish, 240 species, and over 100 reptiles and amphibians housed in 46 aquariums, vivariums, and terrariums, the Educational Rooms provide a deeper, hands-on understanding of biodiversity and conservation. These areas are carefully integrated into the 3,500 square meter exhibition space, offering an engaging extension to the main exhibits and fostering a connection with the living world.

History & Cultural Background

The commitment to education has been foundational to Aquatis since its inception. The Aquatis project itself began in 2005 with a public architectural competition in Lausanne, aiming to integrate an attraction with a park-and-ride facility. The Aquatis Foundation, established in 2007, was specifically tasked with overseeing the scientific and educational content of the complex. This foundation champions environmental education and sustainable development, ensuring that the aquarium-vivarium serves not just as an exhibition space, but as a significant center for scientific culture dedicated to freshwater.

Lausanne's location in a region renowned for its expertise in water and environmental studies further underscores Aquatis' cultural relevance. The content developed for the Educational Rooms and the main tour is the result of close collaboration with scientists and research organizations, reflecting a deep-seated dedication to ecological preservation and knowledge dissemination.

What Makes It Special

What truly sets the Educational Rooms apart is their 'learning by doing' philosophy. Instead of passive observation, these spaces encourage active participation through workshops, quizzes, and investigations. For example, students might undertake 'environmental investigations' to solve ecological puzzles, fostering critical thinking about complex environmental phenomena like coral reef invasions. These activities are designed to be playful and didactic, allowing students to learn about habitats, morphology, and diets of aquatic creatures in an immersive setting.

The integration of digital technologies and interactive scenography throughout Aquatis extends into these educational areas, creating a stimulating environment for discovery. The architecture of Aquatis itself, with its striking circular form and shimmering aluminum discs, reflects its dual mission of cultural and teaching enrichment, creating an inspiring backdrop for learning.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

Imagine a journey following the life cycle of a single drop of water as it travels around the world – this engaging narrative concept guides visitors through Aquatis' diverse ecosystems. Within the Educational Rooms, these broad themes are brought to life through specific, memorable activities. Younger visitors might participate in quizzes like 'Fangs, eggs and other oddities...' to unravel animal kingdom mysteries, using their knowledge and quick reflexes. The workshops are carefully aligned with regional learning plans, making them directly relevant to local educational curricula.

For a truly unique experience, these rooms sometimes host specialized explorations, like discovering the breeding station where young animals are cared for, offering a rare glimpse behind the scenes of conservation efforts. The stories told here are not just about exotic creatures, but also about local Swiss fauna, like the European pond turtle, highlighting regional conservation challenges.

Visitor Perspective

Visitors to the Educational Rooms at Aquatis consistently find them to be an enriching and engaging complement to the main aquarium experience. The ability to delve deeper into topics through hands-on activities is particularly appreciated by families and school groups. Explanations are often available in multiple languages, including English, French, and German, ensuring broad accessibility and a comprehensive learning experience for international guests.

These dedicated spaces provide a comfortable and stimulating environment where both children and adults can actively participate in learning, making complex ecological concepts understandable and memorable. Whether it's a themed guided tour led by a zoo educator tackling current issues or a workshop investigating environmental challenges, the Educational Rooms ensure that every visit to Aquatis is not only entertaining but also profoundly educational, fostering a deeper appreciation for freshwater ecosystems and the importance of their preservation.