CHEYENNE — Hundreds of trout found homes in Wyoming waters thanks to students and teachers participating in a new conservation education program. Trout in the Classroom is a partnership between the Wyoming Game and Fish Department and Trout Unlimited where students and teachers raise rainbow trout in their classrooms over the course of a semester.
This year, 70 schools participated in Trout in the Classroom with more than 6,400 student caretakers at schools throughout the state. Classrooms received trout eggs from Game and Fish hatcheries in January and raised them throughout the semester while learning concepts of ecology, population biology, water quality, fish anatomy and conservation.
Once the trout reached the fingerling stage, participants released their fish into a designated pond under the supervision of Game and Fish personnel. Releases this year took place in May within 22 designated community fisheries across the state. One of these waters, Luckey Pond in Lander, was the site of a few releases including the trout from Shoshoni Elementary School.
“We are grateful for the personnel and staff who made this opportunity available to our students,” said Shoshone Elementary teacher Sarah Jarvis.
Jarvis said the program not only allowed her students to remain involved and interested as the small fish grew, it also was a central point of interest for faculty, parents and students who were able to learn about conservation and observe the early lifecycle of trout.
“Being able to bring the real world into the classroom was a dream for me as an educator,” Jarvis said. “The fish received daily visits from students, teachers and administrators, and our tank literally became a ‘calm down’ spot for a few children who needed to take a quiet moment.”
Bringing fish directly into classrooms helps students develop a new understanding and appreciation for their local fisheries and aquatic life cycles, and the program reinforces science curriculum by providing hands-on experience. Teachers have access to customizable lesson plans that guide students through the life cycle of a trout and can tailor the program to meet their curriculum needs. Trout in the Classroom is an opportunity to engage students in hands-on STEM activities, exposing them to the natural environment and conservation careers.
This program is ideal for students in third-12th grade and is open to any classroom in Wyoming. Schools must apply during the fall semester to be part of the program. Teachers who are interested in learning more about the program can complete the TIC interest form.
— WGFD —
