Region
Provincial
School year/Age
Kindergarten to Grade 12
Language level
French as a Second Language
School subject (primary)
Biology
School subject (secondary)
Sciences
Teaching materials
Schedule of Care, Growth Chart
Links with the curriculum
FinS aligns with learning objectives identified in Alberta Education’s Program of Studies at every grade level (K-12).
FinS aims to foster an appreciation of Alberta’s fish species and encourages participants to consider their role in the conservation and stewardship of Alberta’s fish, water and ecosystems.
Throughout the program, students and teachers will work together to:
- Maintain a healthy aquarium environment for trout, from egg to fry;
- Release rainbow trout fry into an approved provincial waterbody;
- Study and investigate fish life cycles and stages, habitats, needs, and adaptations;
- Learn about Alberta’s fish and threats to their survival;
- Understand the importance of water quality; and,
- Develop an awareness of human impacts and actions on aquatic ecosystems.
Requirements
Schools applying to the program must reside in Alberta and make financial and resource commitments to be eligible:
- Identify two responsible School Coordinators (applicants); at least one of whom is in a permanent role with the school (a teacher, librarian, or administration);
- Have the required School Authorization from the school principal for the costs associated with the program, licencing requirements, and time commitments required of School Coordinators;
- Commit to program guidelines; and
- Be in good standing with the FinS program.
Availability
The FinS program accepts a limited number of projects each year. An annual application process allows new participants into the program and for schools in good standing to reapply, repeatedly, in the program.
New and returning program participants must fill out an application form on an annual basis.
Cost
Schools are responsible for the initial cost and ongoing maintenance of the aquarium equipment required for the program. Specifications of equipment items are provided. Returning schools may be required to upgrade their aquarium system as needed to maintain established program standards.
- Start-up Costs: approx. $1,500-$1,700o See FinS Technical Manual for specifications.
o See FinS Technical Manual for specifications.
- Annual Supplies: approx. $100/year
o Includes consumable products critical for successful care of trout: filter media, water conditioners, and water quality tests.
o See FinS Technical Manual for specifications.
- Returning Egg Delivery Equipment:
o Shipping cost to return egg delivery equipment to Bow Habitat Station.
- Release Event:
o Includes any and all costs associated with the event (i.e. transportation to and from the provincially-approved waterbody).
- General Maintenance:
o Cost to power tank.
o Disinfectant / cleaning supplies.
Description
Fish in Schools (FinS) is a provincial fisheries education program, delivered by Bow Habitat Station. This unique hands-on program provides Alberta schools from kindergarten to grade 12 with the opportunity to raise rainbow trout in their classrooms from egg to alevin and fry, then release the fish into a provincially-approved waterbody as a part of Alberta’s fish stocking program.
FinS is an intensive, five-month commitment from January through May each year. The classroom aquarium and trout require continuous monitoring and care, regardless of school closures and holidays.
Coordinator
Partners
