- Designed for the NYC and NYC Watersheds Trout in the Classroom program
- Made possible with funds from the Catskill Watershed Corporation in partnership with New York City Department of Environmental Protection
- Conceived and written by Lilli Genovesi
Objective: #
Students will forge a deeper connection with nature and their trout.
Background: #
Raising trout in an aquarium requires patience, dedication and care. It can be a real challenge due to the trout’s sensitivity to changes in water chemistry, temperature and availability of dissolved oxygen. In their natural habitats in the streams of New York City’s drinking water watersheds, trout have access to cold and clean streams that are rich in dissolved oxygen and shaded by forest vegetation. Their food source largely includes aquatic macroinvertebrates which also thrive in these watershed streams. Although an aquarium can not contain all of the elements of natural habitats for trout, students and teachers that nurture and care for the young trout can help them grow healthy and strong in preparation for their coming release into a waters
Materials: #
- Colorful recycled papers
- Glitter
- Paint or markers
- Stickers
- Glue
- Scissors
Procedure: #
1. Take a moment to talk to students about the experience of raising trout. Ask students to express what they like about having an aquarium in their classroom.
2. Have students make Valentines Day cards or write love letters to one of the trout in the tank. Students can name the trout, write about watching them grow or about their upcoming trout release.
3. Decorate the cards or notes and display them near the trout tank so that the trout can see.
Wrap-Up: #
After the trout release, have students make love letters to the watershed or to the Earth. Do they say anything similar to the watershed or Earth that they say to their trout?
