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Male Teacher and five students standing at a touch tank

 

The Torpey Touch Tank
A Living Laboratory for Marine Science Education

Since 2006, the Torpey Touch Tank has been a beloved and distinctive feature of the Canterbury School campus. Made possible through the generosity of Amanda Cross, whose late husband, W.J. Torpey, inspired the tank’s name, and the Benedict Foundation, this 1,000-gallon saltwater aquarium serves as both a marine life exhibit and a dynamic outdoor classroom.

 

Middle School kids and science teacher at Torpey's Touch Tank

Hands-On Learning Across All Divisions
Located just steps from our science classrooms, the Torpey Touch Tank provides immersive, real-world learning experiences for students in all divisions:

🧒 Lower School: Students visit the tank during science units focused on Florida’s water systems, guided by expert faculty and staff. The touch tank also serves as a creative spark for writing assignments and cross-disciplinary projects.

👩‍🏫 Middle School: Integrated into the environmental science curriculum, the touch tank brings marine biology concepts to life. It’s also used as an inspiration point for descriptive and narrative writing.

🔬 Upper School: Advanced students use the touch tank as part of Canterbury’s Independent Science Research Program, customizing experiments and investigations with access to a living marine lab.

🎓 Admissions & Campus Life: The touch tank is a favorite stop on campus tours, showcasing Canterbury’s commitment to experiential learning, environmental awareness, and academic innovation.