JACKSON, Wyo. — This past spring semester, Colter Elementary School teachers and students took part in Wyoming’s new science educational program, Trout in the Classroom (TIC), and raised rainbow trout from eggs to fingerling (juvenile fish).
According to the Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGFD), 28 Wyoming schools participated in the program in 2024, which encompassed more than 1,500 fifth to eighth grade student caretakers.
Classrooms received trout eggs from Game and Fish hatcheries in January and raised them throughout the semester while learning concepts of ecology, population biology, water quality, fish anatomy and conservation, per the WGFD announcement. In April and May, once the trout reached the fingerling stage, participants released their fish into a designated community fishery.
“Hundreds of trout found homes in Wyoming waters thanks to all the students and teachers participating in this new conservation education program,” the WGFD said in a statement. “Bringing fish directly into classrooms helps students develop a new understanding and appreciation for both their local fisheries and aquatic life cycles, and the program reinforces science curriculum by providing hands-on experience.”
The WGFD and Trout Unlimited (TU) partnered to provided Wyoming educators with trout eggs, curriculum and support. The curriculum is designed to meet Wyoming science education standards and provide students with STEM experience.
This program is open to any classroom in Wyoming. Schools can apply during the fall semester to be part of the program. Teachers who are interested in learning more about the program can complete the TIC interest form.
