Warren T. Jackson Elementary School trout release photo slideshow. Photo credit: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
One hundred fourth-grade students from Warren T. Jackson Elementary School participated in a trout release event this spring at the Chattahoochee National Recreation Area, completing a yearlong environmental education project designed to teach lessons in science, ecology, and conservation.
The students are part of Trout in the Classroom, an environmental education program sponsored by Trout Unlimited. The program provides students with direct experience raising trout while they learn about local ecosystems and the importance of protecting natural resources.
“We hope the students learn to be good stewards of the program and the environment around them,” said Shawn Grismore, STEAM coordinator at Jackson Elementary and the program’s instructor. “We want them to start locally, but I think the final goal is to be globally aware.”
Warren T. Jackson Elementary School’s trout were released into the Chattahoochee River in the fry stage. Photo credit: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
Jackson Elementary’s fifth-grade students receive approximately 4,000 trout eggs each year. Over several months, they raise the trout from eggs to the fry stage in specially prepared tanks. The program integrates lessons in science and math while giving students opportunities to apply problem-solving skills.
This year, the students encountered a challenge when birds began attacking a trough containing some of the trout. The students collaborated to design and install protective screens to prevent further losses.
Upper Chattahoochee Chapter of Trout Unlimited members led workshops for the students. Photo credit: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
The fourth-grade students participate in the release portion of the program, preparing them to raise trout the following year. During this year’s event, members of the Upper Chattahoochee Chapter of Trout Unlimited assisted the students and led workshops on various topics, including stream health, insect life cycles, fly construction, water quality testing, and fishing techniques.
Through the program, students gained an understanding of ecology and the factors that affect the health of local watersheds. The experience is also designed to encourage students to think critically about environmental issues.
Warren T. Jackson Elementary School fourth-grader, Lucas Lai, is releasing trout back to nature. Photo credit: Allison M. Slocum, APS ©
Lucas Lai, a 10-year-old fourth grader, said he is eager to take on the responsibilities of raising the trout next year.
“What I’m looking forward to most is to see how they grow and how we can save the water while doing that,” said Lai.
“I’m looking forward to feeding them and looking at them because I didn’t get to do it this year,” fellow fourth-grader Layla Molina-Salas said, sharing a similar sentiment.
The program aims to build environmental awareness and responsibility in students, beginning with their local community.