A Creek Runs Through It
Mark West School Steelhead Program
Steelhead in the Classroom
The 6th grade students at Mark West School participate in the Steelhead in the Classroom program sponsored by Redwood Empire Trout Unlimited.
Earth Science
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The main focus of 6th grade science is the earth. Before we begin our study of the steelhead trout, we first learn about the energy in the earth's system. We then build models of the earth while taking a close look at its structure. This year's Earth Project is due on 10/30.
Next we introduce the steelhead as we investigate the forces that shape landforms. The year ends with the study of our ecosystem, specifically how man and fish can coexist despite the many needs of both.
Steelhead
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Through the study of the steelhead, students learn about our watershed and how each of us plays an important role in protecting it. After learning of the needs of the steelhead and the affect that we as humans have on the environment, the students are then exposed to the needs of people. As issues continue to rise in our county on this topic, the class sees that it can be tricky to meet the needs of everyone. We may not be able to solve these big issues, however, we must make daily choices as individuals to do our part to protect our watershed.
Release
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Six weeks after receiving the steelhead eggs, they have hatched, made it through the alevin stage, and are now fry. The classroom hatchery has kept the water at a steady 52 degrees. Now that the fish are ready to be released, the students will carry them down to the Mark West Creek. Before releasing their fish, students must take a final temperature reading to determine the difference between the creek and hatchery. Having studied heat transfer, the students know that it will take about 15 minutes of holding their cup in the water before the two temperatures become one. This will reduce the chance of the fish going into shock. If their fish survives, it will return to the Mark West Creek to spawn when these students are freshmen in high school.
Watershed Buddy Program
This year we shared what we were learneing with Miss Dickey's Kinder-Start class here on our campus. Our student teachers' Ms. Hyde and Ms. Arnold, have worked together to create a Watershed Buddy Program. Through this program our 6th graders have pre-taught TK students concepts about the watershed prior to projects that follow the next day. Through these lessons and activites we have exposed TK students to the water cycle, our watershed, and the life cycle of the steelhead. Our final adventure was a buddy trip to our special spot on the Mark West Creek. There students investegated the creek, bugs, and of course picked up garbage. Through exploration we hope TK students have begun to share our love of the watershed, and why it is important to keep it clean!