District/School Administration PK-16 Program Support Educational Technology
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Studying and Saving Salmon
Gateway Regional School District

Description of Activities

Students were responsible for monitoring the development of approximately 200 salmon eggs from the egg stage to the point when the fish were released into the Westfield River four months later. This included reading the pH and ammonia levels on a daily basis, maintaining the water quality, monitoring the chiller settings, raising brine shrimp for salmon feeding, and providing overall care for the aquatic ecosystem.

During the time that the salmon were growing, students conducted a thorough research project of the various facets of the salmon life cycle. Using the Internet and AppleWorks Presentation, students created slide shows demonstrating a deep understanding of the Atlantic Salmon. These presentations [PDF] included slides, voice and/or music, and a movie. The students' completed presentations were shared with students from other grade levels, with the presenters answering questions and clarifying information for their audience.

The students demonstrated their mastery of the content by producing and participating in a videoconferencing [MOV] lesson with students from other schools. This process required students to take the key information learned through their research, collaborate with their classmates, and compile a lesson to be taught to other students. Using digital microscopes, computers, and videoconferencing equipment, students were able to share microscopic images of the salmon with students in other schools.

Before releasing the salmon into the river, students participated in a habitat assessment survey [PDF]. Students assessed and explored the river ecosystem, describing the surrounding area, including vegetation, stream-side insects, and the composition of the river bottom. They tested the water quality (pH and ammonia) and measured the water temperature. They also measured width and depth of the site and the velocity of the river. Finally, students released the salmon into the river. More information about the project activities can be found online: http://www.grsd.org/aserp/

Universal Design/Inclusion
This unit was specifically designed to be implemented in an inclusion setting. The individual needs of students of varying abilities were addressed. The unit provided much hands-on, activity-based learning with many visual and auditory elements enhancing the learning of all students, especially those with disabilities. Appropriate accommodations and modifications (1:1 assistance, time extensions, alternate assessment) were considered at all times.

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