Transcript Raise trout from eggs to fingerlings Monitor tank water quality

TIC 101
Chuck Hoysa
TIC Coordinator - Virginia
TROUT IN THE
CLASSROOM
TIC is an Environmental Education
program focused on raising trout and
incorporating cold water conservation
issues and connecting students with
local watersheds . The program is a
cooperative effort between the Virginia
Department of Game and Inland Fisheries
and the Virginia Council of Trout
Unlimited
WHAT STUDENTS DO……
•Raise trout from eggs to fingerlings
•Monitor tank water quality
•Engage in stream habitat study
•Appreciate water resources
•Connect with local watersheds
•Foster a conservation ethic
TIMELINE
• September – set up tank
• Late Sept/early Oct –
receive eggs
• October – eggs hatch
• Nov – March – raise fish
• March/April – release fish
• Daily – water testing and
feeding
• Weekly – water changes
Typical Set-up
55 gallon aquarium
Chiller
Fluval canister filter
What kind of Trout?
Brook Trout
Native to Virginia
Rainbow
Brown
EGGS
ALEVIN
SWIM-UP STAGE
FRY
FINGERLINGS
MAINTENANCE
Water testing
Water changes
Feeding
Equipment checks
GRADE LEVEL
APPROPRIATENESS
Elementary thru High
School
SOL’s for everyone
Single class tanks
Grade level tanks
‘Whole School’ tanks
Incorporating TIC into the classroom
Science
Math
Art
Reading and Writing
Social Studies
Physical Education
Lesson Plans
Virginia TIC Manual
Virginia TIC Curriculum Guide
www. troutintheclassroom.org
www.vctu.org
RELEASE EVENTS
• March – May
• Approved streams
• Release day activities
• Fish release
• Macros
• Water testing
• Nature hikes
• Tree ID
• Bird watching
• Fly casting
RELEASE DAY
What can go wrong?
• Equipment failure
• Power outage
• Over feeding
• Water quality
• First weeks
• Condensation
• Poor egg hatch
• Poor sanitation
Time Commitment
Depends on how many schools you’re working with
September – Set-up
October – Egg delivery
Spring – Releases
Most TIC programs have Trout Unlimited volunteers
who communicate with teachers by regular email
Relatively few visits to schools
Equipment
Aquarium
Chiller
Filter system
Air stone and tubing, Gravel
Thermometer, Water test kit,
Egg basket, Turkey baster,
Styrofoam
Expenses
Chiller - $600
Filter/air pump/etc. (kit) - $200
Aquarium - $50-$100
Funding
Local Chapter TU (Partner)
Classroom Grants
General school funds
PTO
Parents
Civic clubs, Environmental
Organizations/Businesses
TIC IN VIRGINIA
• About 200 tanks
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Winchester
Fairfax
Warrenton
Richmond
Shenandoah Valley
Roanoke
Martinsville
SW Virginia
Interested in participating?
DGIF
Provide eggs
Approve release sites
Keep records
TU Chapters
Egg distribution
Release planning
Technical information
New Partners
Coordinate with TU and DGIF
Provide funding
Provide manpower
http://www.thatpetplace.com/Trout-in-the-Classroom
Kit 1 - $847
Kit 2A - $188
Kit 2 - $294
Contact Stephanie Welsh
1-888-842-8738 ext. 1288
[email protected]
Kit 3 - $740