arlynton-Montour CARLYNTON SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
Trout in the Classroom
Imagine the task of counting, separating, and sorting some 600 chicken eggs. Now, consider of the size of a pin head and envision the challenge of counting, separating, and sorting 600 fish eggs, or more specifically, brook trout eggs. This seemingly impossible task, in partnership with the statewide Trout in the Classroom project, was facilitated by teacher Maureen Berlingeri and carefully completed by 25 students in a ninth grade biology class.
On October 31st, the trout eggs arrived in a temperature-controlled Styrofoam container from the Benner Springs Hatchery near State College. Students used eye droppers and small plastic spoons to quickly separate white, nonviable eggs from shiny black eggs and then carefully transported the delicate eggs to a 120 gallon tank filled with spring water and maintained at a temperature between 35 to 55 degrees.
From that point forward, students were vigilant to monitor and care for the brook trout. Each morning, they performed a series of steps to verify the chiller and air pump were working properly, the water level was correct, and the filter was running properly. They scrutinized water temperature, pH balance, and levels of ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. Sustaining a correct balance was vital. Some 90 fish were lost over a weekend when the nitrate levels unexpectedly spiked.
The cold water environment for the fish was sustained with a chiller, pump, carbon filter, air stones, and hoses, all purchased with the help of DonorsChoose. org and grant money. The water in the tank was changed weekly and several students assisted Mrs. Berlingeri with the intricate task.
Carlynton high school’ s participation in the Trout in the Classroom program was made possible through a unique partnership between the PA Fish and Boat Commission and PA 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.
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Five months later, nearly 80 brook trout survived in the aquarium. While it seems a small number in comparison to the original shipment of eggs, the biology class is among a few dozen of the 110 participating schools in Pennsylvania to sustain living trout. Many schools lost the entire lot to a fungus called cotton wool disease.
The living brook trout were released into a stream at McConnell’ s Mill State Park, a state-approved waterway, in late May. A field trip to the park provided the