NGPC Looking for Schools to Participate in ‘Trout in the Classroom’ Program

The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission is looking for more schools to participate in its ‘Trout in the Classroom’ program. Last year, 65 schools around the state participated in the program. The goal this year is 100 schools.

The science-based program is used nationally by a number of states. It is designed to teach students about aquatic ecosystems, life cycles, water quality and more.

Nebraska Game and Parks wildlife education specialist, Lindsay Rogers, said this type of project is the new trend in education.

“We are asking students and teachers to do bigger picture thinking. We want students that are raising trout in the classroom to understand that big picture idea of water quality has an impact not only on us, but the ecosystem,” Rogers said. “We are going to be asking students to be doing more of this long term, in depth thinking. So I think ‘Trout in the Classroom’ is poised to be a really great part of that trend.”

The program coordinator, Katherine Sydik, said the hands-on nature of the project makes it really impactful for the students.

“It’s always good when you have more active education, where you have an investment. They [the students] are actually getting to raise the trout, they’re testing the water,” Sydik said. “I think that students learn better when they’re more invested and its more inquiry based.”

Schools that wish to participate in the program will need a 40 gallon tank and a water chiller along with a filter, pumps and a small net to catch the trout. Nebraska Game and Parks will provide the trout eggs and will also have opportunities for field trips to release the trout into approved lakes and streams once the project is complete.

The program is open to students ranging from second grade through high school. Schools that wish to participate can apply for a scholarship until August 24. Funding for this project is provided by the Nebraska Environmental Trust, Nebraska Game & Parks Commission and the Nebraska Trout Unlimited Chapter 710.

For more information, visit http://outdoornebraska.gov/TroutInTheClassroom/.