The STAR Program at Eastside Elementary is making waves in education by bringing the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Trout in the Classroom program to its students.
This hands-on initiative allows students to observe and engage with the life cycle of trout while fostering responsibility, curiosity, and emotional well-being.
Through Trout in the Classroom, students care for the fish daily, gaining real-world experience in aquatic ecosystems and conservation. Beyond science, the program has provided a unique calming tool—students enjoy the soothing sound of flowing water when they need a mental reset, making it an essential component of the overall learning environment.
Integrating STEM into the experience, students use Ozbots from the school’s STEM lab to create interactive models of the trout life cycle. Additionally, the students have constructed a hydroponic system that supports the fish, further deepening their understanding of ecosystems and sustainable practices.
The trout have been incredibly beneficial not just for our students’ learning but also for their mental health. This program gives our students a unique opportunity to engage in science, technology, and environmental stewardship while also providing a source of comfort and regulation in the classroom.
The STAR Program at Eastside Elementary continues to find innovative ways to engage students. Trout in the Classroom is just one example of how hands-on learning can create a meaningful and lasting impact.
– Stefani Mitchell – Teacher