HS Trout Project

3/28/2017

Let’s talk about trout. Right now, about 150 trout have made room 104 on the High School Campus home. Mr. Lyons is spearheading a project that raises trout from egg to release. Initially thought of by Mr. Ireland, this project incorporates many facets of an Ensworth education. With the chemistry of the tank, the biology of the fish, and the sustainability of growing trout with the intent to release into the wild, this project can add to many subject areas.

Every day after school, students volunteer their time to help clean the tank, feed the fish, and test chemicals in the water. In the wild, trout get freshwater from upstream everyday. Meanwhile, their old water, along with their waste, extra food, and toxins, gets washed away down the stream. The students simulate this process by syphoning out 10 gallons of water a day and then refilling with 10 gallons of fresh water. To make sure that their tank is healthy, students measure nitrite and pH levels. Mr. Lyons helps keep track of these levels overtime in a spreadsheet. Students also feed the fish and remove extra debris or waste in the water with a suction.

Mr. Lyons hopes that this project will eventually become completely student-led. With a sustainability focus, this project could be turned into a senior service learning project, or even a Capstone project with a chemical, biological, or environmental focus. We are excited to see how this project progresses and look forward to the big release to the Caney Fork River!

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