TIC 101Chuck HoysaTIC Coordinator - Virginia

TROUT IN THE CLASSROOM

TIC is an Environmental Education program focused on raising trout and incorporating cold water conservation issues and connecting students with local watersheds . The program is a cooperative effort between the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries and the Virginia Council of Trout Unlimited

WHAT STUDENTS DO……•Raise trout from eggs to fingerlings•Monitor tank water quality•Engage in stream habitat study•Appreciate water resources•Connect with local watersheds•Foster a conservation ethic

• September – set up tank• Late Sept/early Oct –

receive eggs• October – eggs hatch• Nov – March – raise fish• March/April – release fish• Daily – water testing and

feeding• Weekly – water changes

TIMELINE

ChillerFluval canister filter

55 gallon aquarium

Typical Set-up

What kind of Trout?

Brook TroutNative to Virginia

RainbowBrown

EGGS

ALEVIN

SWIM-UP STAGE

FRY

FINGERLINGS

MAINTENANCE

Water testingWater changesFeedingEquipment checks

GRADE LEVEL APPROPRIATENESSElementary thru High SchoolSOL’s for everyone Single class tanksGrade level tanks‘Whole School’ tanks

Incorporating TIC into the classroom

ScienceMathArtReading and WritingSocial StudiesPhysical Education

Lesson Plans

Virginia TIC ManualVirginia TIC Curriculum Guidewww. troutintheclassroom.orgwww.vctu.org

RELEASE EVENTS

• March – May• Approved streams

• Release day activities• Fish release• Macros• Water testing• Nature hikes• Tree ID• Bird watching• Fly casting

RELEASE DAY

What can go wrong?

• Equipment failure• Power outage

• Over feeding• Water quality

• First weeks• Condensation• Poor egg hatch• Poor sanitation

Time Commitment

Depends on how many schools you’re working with

September – Set-upOctober – Egg deliverySpring – Releases

Most TIC programs have Trout Unlimited volunteers who communicate with teachers by regular email

Relatively few visits to schools

Equipment

AquariumChillerFilter systemAir stone and tubing, GravelThermometer, Water test kit,Egg basket, Turkey baster, Styrofoam

Expenses

Chiller - $600Filter/air pump/etc. (kit) - $200Aquarium - $50-$100

Funding

Local Chapter TU (Partner)Classroom GrantsGeneral school fundsPTOParentsCivic clubs, Environmental

Organizations/Businesses

TIC IN VIRGINIA• About 200 tanks

• Winchester• Fairfax• Warrenton• Richmond• Shenandoah Valley• Roanoke• Martinsville• SW Virginia

Interested in participating?

DGIFProvide eggsApprove release sitesKeep records

TU ChaptersEgg distributionRelease planningTechnical information

New PartnersCoordinate with TU and DGIFProvide fundingProvide manpower

http://www.thatpetplace.com/Trout-in-the-Classroom

Kit 1 - $847Kit 2 - $294

Kit 2A - $188 Kit 3 - $740Contact Stephanie Welsh 1-888-842-8738 ext. 1288 swelsh@thatpetplace.com