Potter Park Zoo in Michigan is working with the Eaton RESA Career Preparation Center to host the Salmon in Classroom (SIC) program for local 11th and 12th-grade students. This program aligns with the zoo’s conservation goals, educating students about ecosystem balance, stewardship, and aquatic species care. The program also teaches students about the history of Chinook salmon in Michigan and its impact on the ecosystem. The students take care of fertilized eggs, monitoring their health and helping the fish thrive until they are ready for release. The program instills a sense of purpose and awareness in students, turning them into stewards of the environment. As the salmon are released into the Red Cedar River, they embark on an extraordinary downstream journey before returning upstream to complete their life cycle. The SIC program empowers students to protect and cherish the area’s natural heritage.
Salmon in Classroom: A Hands-On Journey of Conservation and Environmental Stewardship
Educators are always looking for ways to teach environmental conservation and stewardship in a hands-on, engaging, and educational way. One such way is salmon in classroom programs.
Introduction to Salmon in Classroom Programs
Salmon in Classroom programs start with obtaining salmon eggs in the fall or early winter. The eggs are placed in an aquarium, and students observe and monitor their development into fry. The observations include their behaviors, movements, and the physical changes they undergo.
Students learn about the lifecycle of salmon and how they reproduce, migrate, and spawn. By observing the fry, students understand the biology, ecology, and environmental factors affecting salmon populations.
Learning about Habitat and the Environment
During the program, students also learn about habitat and the relationship between salmon and their environment. They explore the physical, chemical, and biological aspects of fresh and saltwater ecosystems and their interconnectedness.
Students learn about protecting salmon habitats like healthy streams, rivers, and oceans. Protecting salmon habitat is essential to maintaining healthy salmon populations and protecting critical ecosystems.
Conservation and Stewardship
Salmon in Classroom programs instill a sense of conservation and environmental stewardship in students. They learn about the importance of protecting not only salmon but all aquatic life and their habitats. These programs teach students about how their actions affect the environment, and they can take steps to be responsible environmental stewards.
Conclusion
Salmon in Classroom programs provide an effective way for students to learn about salmon and conservation. These programs offer a hands-on approach that engages students and teaches them about the importance of environmental stewardship. Students gain a greater appreciation for the environment and their role in protecting it by participating in these programs.
