Local students help transplant juvenile fish
Program hooks youth on science, technology
An innovative program centered on hatching and growing rainbow trout in
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local classrooms is designed to help youngsters get hooked on science and ecology.
Trout in the
Classroom allows students to participate in the fishrearing process while studying various naturalresource related topics, such as fish anatomy, ecology, and water quality. In the process, they are introduced to fishing as a sport and pastime and begin to develop a conservation ethic which fosters respect for the natural world.
This year, elementary and middle school students in 23 classrooms in Round Valley, Bishop, Big Pine, Independence, and Lone Pine schools participated in the program, said Inyo County Superintendent Barry Simpson, whose office helps fund and organize the program, which includes the installation of aquariums in the classrooms.
“This is an excellent program,” said Simpson. “real hands-on learning, which creates a fun experience for the students and teachers.”
Besides learning about biology and fish, the Trout in Classroom program gives students a chance to learn about the important role trout and fish hatcheries have played in their community’s history and how important angling and outdoor recreation are to the Eastern Sierra, he added.
Fresh-water aquariums were installed in all 23 classrooms, and the students will be getting a delivery of about 100 rainbow trout eggs from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Once the trout eggs are safely transplanted to the aquariums, students will get a chance to watch nature at work. Over the span of four to six weeks, they will grow from eggs to alevin juvenile fish (or fry) right in the classroom. While the fish are growing in the aquarium, the students will be learning about fish and the environment from a stateapproved curriculum.
Each teacher can tailor the educational component of the program to meet the needs of each class and age group. Common topics include fish anatomy, biology, watershed science and water quality, entomology (bugs), stream dynamics and other science-related topics.
Once the trout are juveniles, they will then be released by the students into various local streams, where they will continue to mature into full-sized rainbow trout.
“Our very creative teachers have found innovative ways to integrate lessons from the Trout in the Classroom program into other classroom subjects and disciplines,” said Simpson. “Because of that, the Trout in the Classroom program is a favorite of teachers and students.”