Project Fish (1)

1. Buy some hardy tropical fishes -at least 2, we all need friends
   Buy aquatic plants - teach the child that plants give out oxygen, and plants are pretty too. Also select hardy varieties such as java fern)
   Place the bag of fish in a bucket of water- leave water to de-chlorinate overnight
2. Place gravel in 2 different bowls (I had some bigger pebbles and some fine gravel, so I will teach Megan about sizes and textures)
3. Prepare tank (plastic preferred, lighting will make your tank appear prettier & aerate with pump/filter to minimise cleaning)
   Get a plastic cup for filling tank with water if you allow your child to pour
   Also get ready lots of rags for spills
   

Tips:

• Prepare everything beforehand and do most of the task yourself, leaving some bits for the child to participate and complete (take cue from cooking shows, nothing can be done in 10 mins like those celeb chefs claim-they have the entire tv crew to help chop, julienne, slice their veggies)
• Laying out the items will help you create a mental picture of the steps you will need to take to set up the aquarium (toddlers have little patience, esp with new adventures)
  
• Have rags or tea-towels around to help with the inevitable spills (I intend to allow Megan to help with filling up the tank)