issues affecting the health of the fish that result due to water chemistry .
All of the data for the project is recorded in an online spreadsheet that shows live updates . This allows for students in both grades to view and utilize the data whenever necessary .
Across the curriculum , students in the school ’ s Technology Education classes designed the egg tray in which the trout develop , in addition to brainstorming a method to filter the water . Art students have been developing projects with trout-related themes , and Mars Area Middle School principal Todd Kolson has dedicated the use of a classroom specifically for the trout ( now nicknamed “ the trout room ”).
“ Because this project incorporates the entire school , we need a location where teachers can take their students without interrupting other classes ,” explains Stavish . The room has several bulletin boards that show information about the growing trout , and also stores all equipment and supplies necessary for the project .
The start-up costs for the project range from $ 1,000 to $ 1,500 . To counter these costs , one of the school ’ s teachers put out a Facebook request that sought old or used fish tanks or related supplies . “ The response was overwhelming ,” says Stavish . A former restaurant lobster tank was donated by Bob and Judy Ferree of the Saxonburg Hotel ; a former Mars Area student , Kayla Blystone , sent in fish care products from her employer , Mars Fishcare , North America ; and numerous parents and community members donated various other supplies to help get the program up and running .
Dr . Roy Weitzell from Chatham University , whose daughter is a seventh-grader at Mars Area Middle School , provided the guidance necessary to set up the trout tanks , and the PA Fish and Boat Commission shipped the brook trout eggs and fish food to the school at the beginning of November .
“ We want to extend our thanks to the entire Mars Area community for their generous donations to the program . We currently have 92 live fish in our tank ,” notes Stavish , adding that the students have really taken responsibility for the fish . “ Students check in with their teachers to see if the fish are being fed and if the tank is being taken care of , and most classes visit the trout room at least once a week . Students are beginning to name the fish too !”
Sometime at the end of April or beginning of May , the trout will be released into a nearby state-approved stream . “ We ’ re planning to invite all the students and their families to take part in the ‘ release party ,’ and will also be inviting people from the PA Fish and Boat Commission to lead demonstrations and talk with students and families about the importance of keeping our cold-water habitats healthy ,” says Stavish . “ We will be continuing this program next year , and our hope is to set up several more tanks with various fish ecosystems in addition to incorporating aquatic plants .”
To follow the project , search Mars Middle School – Trout in the Classroom on Facebook or @ mmstroutintheclassroom on Instagram . For more information , visit patroutintheclassroom . org . n
Shane Smith points to an observation with his friends Zach Fenio , Angelino Bahorich , Kaitlyn Pelaia and Matthew Bobko .
Trey Wagner records measurements .
Luke Raymundo measures a water sample with group members Fayth Petruzzelli and Trey Wagner .
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