A few months ago, Liz (our MCDS 3-5th Grade Science teacher) discovered that the nationally known Trout in the Classroom (TIC) program was coming to Marin County schools for the first time. Here is a general description of Trout in the Classroom from their website:

Trout in the Classroom is a community-based program which allows students to experience first hand the delicate balance needed for animals to survive in aquatic ecosystems. Using eggs provided by a hatchery, classes set-up and maintain an aquarium for the purpose of observing the development of fish from the eyed-egg stage until they become young fry. Students engage in course of study which supports the leaning experience across curriculum area. This program is run cooperatively by local schools, fishing clubs and government agencies.

Liz immediately felt that TIC would be an ideal project for Marin Country Day School, given our proximity to the San Francisco Bay, our on-campus creek and our emphasis on environmental education. She mentioned the program and an upcoming local training to a number of our faculty members.

Janet, one of our kindergarten teachers, and Bob, our 6th grade science teacher, decided to sign up for the all-day weekend teacher training session. While Janet felt quite enthusiastic about participating in the project, she felt a bit skittish because the idea of setting up and managing a trout aquarium in a Kindergarten classroom felt overwhelming. Janet mentioned the TIC project to Matt B., a member of our grounds crew, who happens to be a fly fisherman, spends his free time working on habitat restoration work for endangered species, grew up muddling in ponds, and is engaged in college work in biology and botany. Matt B. spoke with Don, our Facilities Director, and asked if he could attend the teacher training and have some release time from his regular duties to support teachers and to be involved for his own interests. His request was approved and he attended the training.

Our good fortune could not have been better as far as Matt B’s involvement is concerned. Each participating TIC classroom is matched with an official Trout Unlimited facilitator/sponsor to help with tank setup and to address any problems, and because Matt is a Trout Unlimited member, he will serve in that role on site. The teaching part of the project will be done by teachers.

With a total of 3 classrooms on board for the project, (Doug agreed to have his kindergarteners care for a tank as well,) and Matt serving as our facilitator/sponsor, we look forward to the next six weeks or so, learning about the life cycle of rainbow trout, observing them as they grow and change, and hopefully having the opportunity to release the young trout into a local area lake.

We look forward to documenting this project and hope you will come along for the ride!