Equipment for Trout in the Classroom

Moderation state
funded
Grant Applicant
Gretel Vargas
School Site
Glenshire Elementary
Grant Category
Mathematics & Science
Grant Date
2026-06-09T12:00:00
Description

This grant request is for purchasing the necessary equipment for my class to participate in the Trout in the Classroom program. This program gives students the opportunity to collaborate with SWEP, watershed scientists, and the CA Department of Fish and Wildlife with raising and releasing  Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. These fish are listed as a threatened species under the Federal Endangered Species Act, and the Trout in the Classroom program combines environmental education with conservation and stewardship. This grant will purchase a tank, cooler, filtration system, and other equipment for hatching and raising Lahontan Cutthroat Trout that will then be released into a local watershed.

Benefits of Program

The Trout in the Classroom program is a hands-on, real world opportunity for students to positively impact the environment in our community. We will be working with a threatened species and will be tracking data and monitoring the growth and development of a tank of Lahontan Cutthroat Trout. The students will learn about water quality, fish biology, stream habitats, data collection, and how agencies collaborate to support threatened species. This program will culminate with releasing the raised Cutthroat Trout into a local waterway.

Success of Program

Trout in the Classroom has been a successful environmental education program for over 30 years. We are lucky to have the partnership with local SWEP educators (Sierra Watershed Education Partnerships) for this program in Truckee, and I feel that implementing this program will be highly successful because of the local support and resources. My goal for this year is to expand the science curriculum that I teach in the classroom, and hatching and releasing a threatened fish species seems like a fantastic fit.

Implementation

March 19: Trout in the Classroom educator meeting (online) from 4-6 pm. This training will provide the educational resources used during this program.

Monday, March 23: File permits for CA Fish and Wildlife

April 23: Set up tank, chiller, and filtration systems

April 27: Eggs will be delivered to classroom

3-6 weeks for eggs to develop into fry

Late May/Early June: release LCT in approved local waterways/streams. Complete the online release summary form required by CA Fish & Wildlife. 

Can you share this grant with your grade level or subject team?

Yes. The equipment purchased with this grant will set up a tank and filtration system that will stay in my classroom for the duration of raising trout, although the three other 5th grade teachers will be invited to have their classes collect data and observe the trout. The other teachers already voiced interest in observing fish in my classroom. 

Sustainability
The equipment purchased with this grant will last for many years and will allow for ongoing participation with the Trout in the Classroom program. No additional funding should be needed for this project, since the main item that needs replacing is the tank substrate and that can be purchased in future years with classroom funds.
Amount Funded
$1199.00
Individual Budget Items(s)
$190 - 20- gallon tank kit
$746 - 1/10 HP chiller
$30 - pump for chiller (next to tank)
$43 - Tank Filter
$13 - Breeder Net
$26 - air pump
$5 - Air Stone
$30 - Rock Substrate
$9 - Ammonia Alert
Shipping
$7.00
Taxes
$100.00
Other funding sources

The other funding source for this project would be classroom funds, raised by the annual fundraiser. I do not have enough funds this year to purchase the equipment for this project. It is also possible to request funds from our PTO. However, I just received a large book grant through PTO and likely need to wait until next year before requesting a second classroom grant. 

File Uploads
Equipment List & Cost Estimate 2026 - Google Docs.pdf (2.7 MB)
Supporting Links
https://www.4swep.org/trout-in-the-classroom
Notes

Thank you for considering this grant request. I very much appreciate you. 

Sincerely, 

Gretel Vargas