What is TroutKids of Maine?
Many of the schools participating in Portland Water District’s HydroLogics school-based education program have also integrated the TroutKids of Maine program into their curriculum. Both programs engage teachers and their students in a yearlong exploration of water through the study of a variety of topics, including:
- Trout anatomy and life cycle
- Water properties
- Water quality and pollution
- Habitats and Ecology
- Watersheds and watershed protection
The keystone element of TroutKids is raising Brook Trout from egg to fry in chilled incubator tanks. The tanks are located in the classroom where students can participate in monitoring the development of their trout over the course of four – five months. During this time, to further connect students to their tiny trout, PWD will deliver a lesson about trout anatomy and life cycle. The TroutKids program culminates with the students releasing their young trout into a river. In addition, students are encouraged to develop and implement their own watershed stewardship projects designed to ensure a healthy future for their new fish friends.
Why study trout?
Raising trout in the classroom is a great opportunity to teach students about a wide range of water related topics. The TroutKids program is designed to increase environmental literacy, foster stewardship, and encourage student interest in science and math.
The Portland Water District supports TroutKids through many avenues. Our environmental educators lead monthly interactive lessons in participating classrooms. We serve as liaison between the schools and the various governmental agencies that manage and regulate trout in Maine; obtaining the necessary permits, coordinating egg deliveries and the fry releases, etc. Teachers may apply to the District for “Teacher MiniGrant” funds to help defray the costs of the incubator tank, the chiller, associated equipment, and curricular materials. We also provide participating schools with technical assistance and resource materials to compliment the program.
