Trout-in-the-classroom is an exciting, inexpensive multi-disciplinary project that is enlivening year-round curriculum planning at schools all over the United States. If you are an upper elementary, middle or high school teacher or curriculum planner, everything you need to know to get started is available via this website, including the following Frequently Asked Questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much will my school need to budget for this program?
The cost of the equipment is approximately $1,000. This price includes the tank, stand, chiller, filters and UV sterilizer and related items to raise brook trout. Ongoing maintenance is very inexpensive after the initial set-up is procured. A recommended equipment list and purchase location can be found on this site.
Is there an activity guide or curriculum?
The activity guide has been developed for New Jersey schools with the help of the NY TIC guide and NJ Fish & Wildlife fisheries biologists with input from NJ Trout Unlimited. The TIC Activity Guide can be found on this site.
Can we run our TIC program in the spring?
No. This is because the brook trout eggs that are raised are only available in October here in New Jersey.
What services are provided by Trout Unlimited?
Teachers and students work together with their local Trout Unlimited chapters across the state of New Jersey to bring into the classroom such things as "Onion Sack Projects" which is simply an onion sack filled with leaves and anchored in a local trout stream for several weeks. The sacks are then removed and brought in to the classrooms where students identify the numerous caddis, mayfly and stonefly nymphs as well as the other organisms which live in our streams and rivers and make up the bulk of the trout’s diet. Other services offered include fly tying and casting lessons, stream bank restoration, hydrology and entomology. Some classes have visited the state’s Pequest Trout Hatchery in Oxford, NJ to learn more about trout rearing and biology.
Are teacher-training resources available?
Trout Unlimited provides at least two TIC workshops each year. The next scheduled workshop is September 26th at the Sparta Middle School in Sparta (Sussex County). Look for the time to be posted shortly. Questions can be addressed to the NJ Trout Unlimited Trout in the Classroom Coordinator, Brian Cowden or by calling him at 201-230-3383.
Where do we get fish eggs?
The eggs will be provided by the NJDEP Fish & Wildlife Pequest Trout Hatchery and arrangements will be made with each teacher to have them delivered on or about October 12th this year. The eggs will be in the "eyed" stage of life.
How should we organize our faculty program team?
Most TIC classes are run by one or more science teachers at each school, using a single tank.