Salmon in the Schools (SITS)

A Hands-On, Experiential Program for Elementary Students

About the Program

Salmon in the Schools is a hands-on, exploratory learning program where students learn about the life cycle of salmon, stewardship, and healthy ecosystems by raising coho salmon from eggs in their classroom. NOSC delivers in-class lessons and hosts a learning-packed field trip where students release the young salmon fry in a local stream. For the 3-4 months that the students care for the salmon, these fish spark learning opportunities throughout all parts of the classroom - art, math, reading, writing, and science.

  • Experiential Learning

    Students get to see and experience the life cycle of the salmon, connecting directly with the curriculum they are learning in lessons.

  • Stewardship

    Over the course of the spring, students build a connection to the salmon they are raising. Their efforts play a real and important role in the conservation of a species.

  • Extension Opportunities

    The presence of an aquarium with growing and changing fish provides a rich opportunity for connection across subjects including art, math, literacy, and science.

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Curious about the state-wide network of Salmon in the Schools programs? Check out Salmon in the Schools (wasalmonintheschools.org) to find a program near you!

The program includes:

  • Full aquarium with training and support with aquarium maintenance
  • NOSC facilitated classroom lessons
  • Activity-packed release day field trip
  • Resources and extension curriculum for teachers

NOSC works closely with teachers to ensure the program fits the needs of students, the goals of the teachers, and takes advantage of locally available partnerships.

With the help of generous donations and grants, NOSC is able to work with each school to ensure funding is not a barrier to participate in the program.

    "NOSC is helping hundreds of students understand the importance of salmon in our ecosystem and giving them reason to think about what they can do to take care of salmon now and in the future."
    - Dawn Braden, Salish Coast Elementary School Teacher
    Program made possible with support from: Donors like you!
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    Photos on this page courtesy of: Mae Wolf, Kevin Merrigan, Nate Roberts, Charles Espey, and NOSC Staff & Volunteers.

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