Program Overview 

Pennsylvania Trout in the Classroom (PA TIC) is an interdisciplinary program that focuses on connecting students in grades 3-12 with Pennsylvania’s coldwater resources. The program offers students and teachers the opportunity to observe the life cycle of trout firsthand while raising them in the classroom from eggs to fingerlings.

PA TIC offers educational connections not only related to the trout cycle, but also on a wealth of additional topics related to PA’s watersheds and coldwater resources. These topics include, but are not limited to:

• Aquatic Ecology
• Water Quality and Chemistry
• Management Practices concerning Conservation and Preservation
• Current and Historical Threats
• Enhancement Opportunities and Strategies
• Recreational Opportunities

These varying applications mean the program can meet content requirements in environment and ecology, science, mathematics, social studies, language and fine arts, and physical education.  Each teacher tailors the program to fit their unique needs. 

Classroom Objectives

Students will:

• Raise trout by observing and monitoring a coldwater ecosystem in a classroom aquarium
• Identify stages of the trout life cycle.
• Recognize brook trout as an “indicator species” for healthy coldwater streams and as the only native salmonid in Pennsylvania's streams.
• Describe conditions needed for trout survival in your classroom aquarium and in nature.
• Demonstrate an increased awareness of water resource conservation and management.

The Key Players 

STATEWIDE SUPPORT
PA TIC is made possible through a partnership between the Pennsylvania Council of Trout Unlimited (PATU) and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. 
PFBC provides:

• A TIC Coordinator to coordinate TIC efforts with PATU statewide.
• Through this position and staff support from several agency bureaus, PFBC manages, maintains and provides:
  • Program coordination, workshops, troubleshooting/curriculum assistance, and support for TIC teachers
  • Trout eggs, trout food, and shipments of the trout eggs and food at no cost to teachers/program partners
  • TIC classroom registrations and End-of-Year Reports
  • Designation of agent letters ensuring trout are released into “Stocked Trout Waterways”
  • Content to PATU staff to upload on PA TIC webpage

PATU provides:

• Program coordination, assistance, and support for TIC program partners
• Maintenance of the PA TIC webpage
• PA TIC Existing Grant Program for current TIC participants
• PA TIC T-shirt Fundraiser Program
• Assistance at TIC workshops and egg/food packing days

Meet Our Team at PFBC and PATU!

VITAL LOCAL SUPPORT
In addition to the statewide support from PFBC and PATU, vital on-the-ground TIC implementation relies upon dedicated teachers who choose to bring the program into their classrooms, and their equally dedicated program partners (e.g., Trout Unlimited chapters, conservancies, conservation districts, sportsmen associations, watershed associations, private organizations), who provide assistance with aquarium set-up, troubleshooting, release days/other field experiences, connections to local watershed impacts/projects, and in some cases, assistance with funding. 

These varying roles of vital local support can often be broken down into three categories, with one role sometimes intersecting with another: 

TIC Program Teacher: A formal educator or teacher at a formal educational institution (e.g., public school, charter school, private school, etc.) that implements TIC in their own 3rd-12th grade classroom(s), typically in collaboration with a TIC program partner(s). 
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TIC Program Partner: An organization or individual that actively engages TIC students in various presentations, lessons, and activities relating to the TIC program. Explore Program Partners to learn more about the program partner's role in TIC and to find a potential partner in your local area.

TIC Program Sponsor: An organization or individual that provides funding to support the TIC program in a classroom, but does not engage TIC students in other ways. Explore Funding for guidance on program sponsors.

Dive Deeper into TIC!

For a deeper look at the PA TIC program and to best prepare for a new school year, please visit all of DIVE INTO TIC's various subsections: Getting Started, Essential Documents, Program Timeline, Program Directory, Program Partners, Aquarium Set-Up, and Required Forms.