Mrs. Lyndsay Hartmann and the 7th grade class led Mrs. Diane Neujahr and the 4th grade class in the dissection of rainbow trout as an exercise in studying biology and body systems. The 4th grade class has been participating in the Nebraska Trout in the Classroom Program. This interdisciplinary, science-based program invites classrooms and schools to explore aquatic ecosystems, life cycles, water quality and the scientific process through raising trout eggs in their classroom. Through this program, the 4th graders were given over 200 eggs in January which they watched develop and hatch over 2 weeks. Students take ownership of caring for both their trout and the aquarium habitat by testing water quality, feeding their trout, and monitoring growth and development. The program also provided the adult trout specimens. Together the classes worked through the dissection analyzing the body and fins. Observations were made about the swim bladder, digestive system, and major organs. Learn more about the Nebraska Trout in the Classroom Program here: http://outdoornebraska.gov/troutintheclassroom/
