Fish in Schools
Closed for the Holidays December 17, 2023 - January 1, 2024
Connect with Nature in the Classroom
Engage your students in a life-changing educational experience by raising rainbow trout in your classroom!
From January through May, students and teachers participating in the Fish in Schools program raise trout from
egg to fry and release them into provincially-approved waterbodies to continue their lifecycle journey.
About This Program
Established in 1998, Fish in Schools is a provincial fisheries management education program providing schools across Alberta unique and hands-on opportunities to raise rainbow trout in their own classrooms.
Since its inception, the program has engaged over 45,000 students in over 30 communities across the province - from Hines Creek in the north to Pincher Creek in the south.
Apply for Fish in Schools
Aligned with learning objectives identified in the Alberta Education curriculum, Fish in Schools is a unique education tool supporting the delivery of science and nature topics, including:
- A trout’s life cycle
- Fish adaptations
- Healthy aquatic habitats
- Water quality
By applying to this program, you can:
- Engage your students by raising 65 rainbow trout in your very own classroom
- Form a connection with Alberta's wildlife and environment through hands-on participation in fish care from egg to fry over a five-month period
- Gain access to special guest presentations on Alberta’s environment and ecosystems to expand learning outcomes
Program Cost
Funded by the Government of Alberta, this program is available at no cost to students and teachers.
While there is no cost to access Fish in Schools learning materials, schools are responsible for the initial cost of the fish tank and equipment and annual maintenance fees.
Application Requirements and Guidelines
2023-2024 Applications open September 1-30, 2023.
To be considered for the Fish in Schools program, a school requires two project coordinators, and must:
- Be a school residing in Alberta
- Be in good standing with Fish in Schools (applicable to past participants)
- Obtain signed consent from the school principal
- Agree to the financial responsibilities of the program
- Forward signed Program Guidelines acknowledging important program dates, required training and requirements
For additional information on application requirements and to apply, visit:
FinS Educational Portal
Apply Now - (3 pages, <1 MB)
Teacher Testimonies
“The release field trip is an amazing experience. I had a classroom with a high number of English language learners. The opportunity to have parents come out to the lake with the children and hear them make such wonderful connections between what they have been learning in science with first hand experiences at the lake was just phenomenal! Our kindergarten students connected the life cycle of fish with other animal’s life cycles as well as their own developmental milestones.”
“Lots of positives - had the opportunity to build an environmental course based on this project. Enjoyed the hands-on experience part of it.”
“I love seeing the students' excitement each day when they visit the tank and hearing all of the stories from parents about how much the parents are learning about the fish because their child is telling them all about it”
“This program never fails to reconnect high school students to the natural world and always engages conversation on a wide variety of topics within the classroom. I always love finding the one or two students who really become invested in the health and care of the fish. The mentorship opportunities for school visits and classroom engagement is always great. Matching the release with the Grotto Canyon hike is always a great way to finish the school year.“
Contact Fish in Schools
Updated: Jul 24, 2023