Getting Started

Are you a new or prospective PA TIC teacher, or a veteran TIC teacher who needs a refresher? Please follow these steps to implement PA TIC:
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STEP 1: LEARN ABOUT PA TIC

• PA TIC Aquarium Resource Guide - Use as your "one-stop doc" for aquarium set-up, equipment, and so much more!
• PA TIC Curriculum Map - Use to see connections to PA State Standards and related learning objectives
• PA TIC Fact Sheet - Use as outreach material
• PA TIC Yearly Timeline - Use as an overview of important deadlines and trout life stages
• PA Program Directory - Use to contact a local teacher or Trout Unlimited Chapter who has a successful and active program

STEP 2: PARTNER UP
Partnerships enhance TIC programs by strengthening the community connection. These program partners (e.g., Trout Unlimited chapters, conservation districts, watershed associations) can provide extra technical assistance, in-class programs, and student exposure to local watershed projects, and are required for a teacher's successful completion of the online registration form.

Explore potential TIC program partners near you on our Program Partners page.

STEP 3: SECURE FUNDING
Initial program costs = $1,000-$1,500. These funds help to purchase all equipment necessary to transform a 55-gallon aquarium into a mini-coldwater ecosystem.  

• PATU Existing Program Grant: PA Trout Unlimited offers a grant to teachers already participating in the TIC program. This grant provides funding for field trips, curriculum enhancement materials, classroom supplies, and replacement equipment. 
• Additional Funding Opportunities: There are many more opportunities for funding besides a program partner or a school. There are many grants specifically available to teachers related to environmental education and conservation.

STEP 4: ORDER EQUIPMENT
Classrooms will need to order equipment in the spring or summer before their program and have all the equipment shipped to their location by August to ensure all aquarium set-up is complete by the beginning of September before eggs arrive.

• Ordering Your Equipment: A guide on how to get everything you need to set up your TIC aquarium.
• Equipment List: This is a list of equipment that all Trout in the Classroom setups must have to sustain the program. This is helpful when deciding if you want to start a TIC in your classroom.
• Replacement equipment costs for program continuation = $150.00 to $250.00. These funds help purchase filter sponges, filter media, water quality test kit, etc. for succeeding years.

STEP 5: REGISTER AS A TIC PARTICIPANT

• STEP 5: REGISTER AS A TIC PARTICIPANT
• By August 31 each year, the teacher and partnering organization must collaboratively complete the online registration form. Registered classrooms will receive rainbow trout eggs, trout food, curriculum resources, and technical support. Please contact [email protected] for registration information.
• Information about approved trout waterways will be updated soon! 

STEP 6: ATTEND A TIC WORKSHOP  *Designed for new participants, but all welcome!
All new TIC participants are required to attend a TIC workshop sponsored by PATU and PFBC. This workshop introduces both teachers AND partners to the equipment, resources, and program activities. Multiple TIC workshops are held every year. To view an updated list of TIC workshops near you, please visit our Workshops page.

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.