opportunity for all
biology students to
witness the release
and explore the
park and historic
mill. At the time,
the fish were about
the size of the pinky
finger on an adult
hand. Barring any
natural dangers or
predators, they will
grow to 10 inches in
length by summer
2019.
Trout in the
Classroom is
sponsored by
the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. The project and
curriculum is correlated to Pennsylvania’s science and math
standards as well as environmental and ecological standards.
In the classroom, students have learned by observing and
monitoring the ecosystem of the cold water trout, identified the
lifecycle of the fish, recognized the brook trout as an “indicator
species” for healthy cold water streams, and discovered the
conditions necessary for brook trout survival in a classroom
aquarium.
Teachers Bill Palonis and Wendy Steiner provided support
and insight for this first year exploit. Mrs. Berlingeri also credits
custodian Greg Gazella and his knowledge of fish for providing
vital tips and assistance. Berlingeri and Gazella expended many
hours to monitor the brook trout during evenings, weekends,
and holidays.
Raising trout in the classroom was an engaging, hands-on
activity that enabled students to connect to real-life water
quality, fish and wildlife issues and problems, and has inspired
them to seek solutions. Hatching eggs in the classroom and
watching fish develop generated enthusiasm among students
and also fostered a sense of stewardship for the planet. Plans are
in the works to continue the program into the 2018-2019 school
year with a goal of sustaining a larger number of living brook
trout for release into a stream next spring.