Trout in the Classroom ("TIC") is a way for teachers to introduce more environmental themes and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) disciplines into their curriculum for students K to 12. Classrooms are set up a 55 gallon aquarium equipped with a water chiller and filter and a simulated trout habitat. Trout eggs are received from a local hatchery during the fall and are placed in the tank. For the remainder of the school year, students observe the development of the trout from hatchlings to fry to fingerling while monitoring their progress by collecting data, regulating feeding, and examining water quality. Through the program, students not only learn about a trout's lifecycle, but the ecosystem as well. The final step is a field trip in the Spring to a local trout fishery where the fingerlings are released.
A number of TU New York Chapters (the list is evolving and will be published shortly) have partnered with school classrooms participating in TIC. Council and its Members provide oversight and assistance and funding to Chapters.
Explore www.troutintheclassroom.org for more information of contact tic@tu.org.
