The fourth-grade students at Blue Star Elementary are immersed in an exciting hands-on educational journey with Salmon in the Classroom, a Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) initiative. Generously sponsored by The Big Red Foundation, a group of Holland-area fishing enthusiasts and salmon charter captains, the program allows students to nurture salmon from eggs to fry before releasing them into a local river connected to Lake Michigan in May.
A Unique Learning Opportunity
Led by fourth-grade teachers Andrew Szczerowski and Ms. Jess Ruch-Guerrin, the program combines science, math, and environmental education. Students receive the salmon eggs from MDNR’s Wolf Lake State Hatchery in November and will care for them through their life cycle, hoping to grow the fish to over five inches. Along the way, they explore:
- Life Cycle Studies: Watching salmon develop from eggs to fry.
- Fisheries Management: Learning about the MDNR’s efforts, including how salmon were introduced to the Great Lakes to control the invasive alewife population.
- Aquatic Chemistry: Conducting daily water tests to ensure optimal living conditions for the salmon.
- Mathematical Applications: Monitoring fry size, tracking dietary needs, and analyzing mortality rates.
School-Wide Collaboration
The program includes monthly visits from other grades at Blue Star, blending science with character-building initiatives. This approach reinforces teamwork, responsibility, and a love for learning across the school community.
The Grand Finale
The project culminates in two memorable events in May:
- Salmon Release: Students will release the fry into a nearby river to contribute to local conservation efforts.
- Fishing Charter Trip: On May 28, interested fourth-graders will join a salmon fishing expedition on Lake Michigan, experiencing the thrill of the sport and connecting their classroom lessons to the real world.
“This program is a lot of work and sometimes stressful, but seeing the kids’ excitement and growth makes it all worth it,” shared Szczerowski.
