Grade 4: Making a Splash on Trout Release Day
After months of raising trout in the classroom, Grade 4 students completed the Trout in the Classroom experience with a release day at River Run Park on Earth Day.
As part of the program led by Lower School Science Teacher Ms. Elise de Geus, and in partnership with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, students, known as Trout Scouts, cared for trout from eggs to fry while studying water chemistry, ecosystems, and human impact on waterways. Through daily testing and observation, they developed an understanding of what it takes to maintain a healthy aquatic habitat. Releasing the trout into the river is part of Colorado Parks and Wildlife’s broader effort to support and restock local fish populations.
Before leaving campus, students covered the trout tank with messages of good luck, marking the final moments of their time caring for the fish in the classroom.
At the river, students rotated through stations connected to their work. They released their trout, observed macroinvertebrates, and shared their learning through student-led information stations. Topics included the trout life cycle, water chemistry, and ways to help protect local waterways.
Watch this video to see highlights from the Trout in the Classroom journey.
Graland Country Day School
Graland Country Day School is a private school in Denver, Colorado, serving students in preschool, kindergarten, elementary, and middle school. Founded in Denver in 1927, Graland incorporates a rich, experiential learning approach in a traditional classroom setting, emphasizing the development of globally and socially conscious leaders who excel academically.
