For the third year in a row, third graders at Veeder Elementary are diving into science and nature through the nationally recognized Trout in the Classroom program. Under the guidance of their teacher, Christina Reeves, students have spent months raising trout from eggs in their classroom—learning about ecosystems, life cycles, and environmental stewardship. Their hard work will culminate in a special release event on May 19 at Saratoga Springs State Park. 

This experiential project, which aligns with New York State Science Learning Standards, gives students a real-world understanding of interdependent relationships in ecosystems, life cycles, and environmental stewardship. Students served as “fish caretakers,” monitoring water quality, testing chemical levels, feeding the trout, and documenting changes as the eggs hatched and the fish grew into ‘fry’ – the third stage in the life cycle of brook trout.

The idea for the program was inspired by Reeves' participation in a professional development course. “I first read about a similar salmon program in a book about inquiry-based learning, and thought it sounded incredible,” Reeves said. “After learning that a local science teacher, Mr. Dave Somoza from Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake School District, had implemented this in his classroom – I reached out to him to learn more about how he had gotten involved. He became a great mentor, connecting me with Trout in the Classroom and Mr. Ron Dorn who serves as a liaison between schools and the program, and has become a critical support ever since.”

On release day, students will wade into Geyser Creek wearing borrowed waders to let their trout swim free. The trip will be funded through New York State’s Connect Kids to Parks program, and includes a lesson on aquatic life, a fly-fishing demonstration, and a picnic lunch by the creek.

“It has been such a rewarding experience each year I am able to involve a new group of students with this project,” reflects Reeves. “It’s a great way to teach students valuable information about the habitats and environments they visit every day.”