At the beginning of the – school year, the IU1 Educational Campus at Colonial introduced a “new school” to its students through the Trout In the Classroom program. Two teachers from the IU1 Colonial Campus—Mathematics Teacher Kevin McKee and Science Teacher Denise Angelo—collaborated throughout the school year to get their students excited to learn about math and science by providing them with a hands-on experience.
The IU1 Colonial Campus’s participation in the Trout In the Classroom program was made possible through a unique partnership between the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and Council of Trout Unlimited. This partnership, coupled with assistance from local conservation organizations, was created to introduce Pennsylvania students to cold water resources and their importance to all communities. The partnership also provides brook trout eggs, trout food, technical assistance, curriculum connections, and teacher workshops each year.
Before the school year began, both teachers collaborated on getting the program and equipment ready for the students arrival, which included a 55 gallon tank set up to replicate an actual stream with water flow and current, filtering system, and chiller to maintain water temperature. Both teachers attended a professional development workshop on installing and integrating the Trout In the Classroom program into their classrooms before receiving over 300 brook trout eggs on .
Many of Colonial’s students in grades 6–12 participated in the program from start to finish. While some students preferred to participate in a minor role, many were involved in nearly all Trout In the Classroom activities. Students in Ms. Angelo’s class created an egg basket to support the eggs until they hatched, while other students were responsible for daily tasks such as feedings, checking water quality, completing egg and fish counts, cleaning the tank, and other general maintenance.
“The students have been excited and engaged throughout the entire process,” says McKee. Trout In the Classroom provided the students with a truly unique learning experience giving them the opportunity to see how math and science can be applied to everyday life occurrences.
On , the 13 students—along with Mr. McKee, Ms. Angelo, and local partner and Trout Unlimited Local Chapter member Jim Tobal—released the surviving five fish into a local stream.
“Students seemed very eager each morning to come to my classroom to check on our fish. They took great ownership in this project and were excited to release our fish into their natural habitat. My favorite part was watching the students get more and more involved throughout the project asking questions and gaining insight about our state fish and waterways. The release day experience was also a day I will never forget!” says McKee.
The IU1 Educational Campus at Colonial intends to continue the Trout In the Classroom program for the next school year, where the teachers and students hope to build upon everything they have learned and experienced. Special thanks to all students, teachers, and partners—which include the PA Fish and Game Commission and Trout Unlimited Local Chapter, for their time and commitment to the Trout In the Classroom program at the IU1 Colonial Campus. With the school year coming to a close and the trout released, the students can only wait until the start of next year to begin a new journey with a new “school” of trout.
For more information on how to bring Trout In the Classroom to your school or organization, check out PATroutIntheClassroom.org.