Over the last year, hundreds of trout found homes in Wyoming waters thanks to students and teachers participating in the Trout in the Classroom program. 

The hands-on science program brings fish directly into the classroom and helps students develop an understanding and appreciation for the aquatic world. The deadline for interested teachers to apply for the program is Monday, Sept. 30. 

TIC is a program in which teachers and students raise trout from eggs to fingerlings in their classrooms over the course of a semester. The Wyoming Game and Fish Department and Trout Unlimited work with educators to provide them with trout eggs,  curriculum and support. The curriculum is designed to meet science education standards and provide students with a STEM experience. Teachers have access to customizable lesson plans that guide their students through the life cycle of a trout and can tailor the program to meet their curriculum needs. 

Last year 28 schools participated in TIC with at least one school in every Game and Fish region, encompassing more than 1,500 student caretakers. Classrooms received trout eggs from the Game and Fish Dubois Fish Hatchery 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. 

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. Grant funding for equipment is available. Teachers interested in learning more about the program can complete the TIC application form.