Fish in the Classroom

Fish in the Classroom is a program developed by Trout Unlimited. Students are given the opportunity to raise brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis) and release them into nearby waterbodies. The project’s goal is to provide children with a tangible connection to their local aquatic ecosystems and to foster environmental stewardship, active inquiry, and hands on scientific observation.

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Students are often enthusiastic, and through their engagement they foster a sense of community and empowerment, knowing that their actions can have a direct impact on local waterways.

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• In partnership with schools, we provide the necessary equipment and logistical support to hatch and rear brook trout within classrooms. Students and teachers will learn animal husbandry and basic water chemistry of aquatic environments.

• Tanks and lesson plans will provide teachers with the opportunity to engage their students in hands-on scientific observation, and serve as a direct example of environmental, biological, scientific, and cultural concepts.

• Trout reared within the program will be transferred to Ontario fish culture stations until they are the proper size for release.Upon release, they will contribute to ongoing efforts to stock brook trout populations across the province and contribute to ongoing conservation efforts.

• Students will be invited to release brook trout into a local waterbody, thus bringing their journey full circle.