Program Background & Overview
Click HERE to read latest blog updates from Virtual TIC program volunteers
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, much of this year’s TIC program will be in a virtual format. This will help provide program continuity for TIC schools that are unable to have students participate as they normally do; hands-on. Maryland Chapter Trout in the Classroom, with the support of the Mid- Atlantic Council and Trout Unlimited National, is proud to launch its Virtual Trout in the Classroom Program for 2020- 2021. The mission of the Mid-Atlantic Trout in the Classroom (MATIC) program is to develop among school children the future protectors of and advocates for establishing and maintaining healthy conditions for trout in local streams. TU chapters like MDTU & partners like Irvine Nature Center and the MD Department of Natural Resources make this happen. Through the exciting experience of rearing trout from fertilized eggs and stocking them in local waters, TIC helps young people to become stewards of their watershed and the environment.
The Virtual TIC Program was launched in August when Irvine Nature Center, located in Owings Mills, MD, agreed to a partnership with TIC volunteers. At the nature center a 145 gallon tank will serve as temporary home to three 10 – 12 inch rainbow trout. A web cam has been set up for viewing by students in both participating and non-participating TIC schools. The water temperature and chemistry test will be recorded in a shared Google spreadsheet updated weekly & posted on the TIC webpage.
The Virtual TIC Program was launched in August when Irvine Nature Center, located in Owings Mills, MD, agreed to a partnership with TIC volunteers. At the nature center a 145 gallon tank will serve as temporary home to three 10 – 12 inch rainbow trout. A web cam has been set up for viewing by students in both participating and non-participating TIC schools. The water temperature and chemistry test will be recorded in a shared Google spreadsheet updated weekly & posted on the TIC webpage.
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Jenna Krebs, the Manager of Animal Care at Irvine Nature Center will serve as moderator for 15 -30 minute educational video on topics related to trout and the environment. Students and teachers will be able to ask questions or suggest a subject to be covered in a future video. At the end of each biweekly video Jenna will answer the questions that are emailed in to [email protected].
Additional video resources will be provided to schools that plan to set up standard 55-gallon trout tanks either in December or January at which time they will be provided trout eggs. |
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Our thanks to Tom Giannaccini, lead TIC volunteer, Jim Tingey TIC Mentor, Jenna Krebs and the staff of the Irvine Nature Center, Sean Beattie, National Aquarium, Tara Granke, TU’s TIC coordinator, and Christine Hintz, Maryland DNR for their support and cooperation in making virtual TIC a “reality”!
The TIC Web Cam is up & running at Irvine Nature Center.
See the Virtual TIC tank's current water chemistry and temperature data--updated weekly.
Visit the Teacher Resources page for video lessons, detailed program guide, and other materials.
The TIC Web Cam is up & running at Irvine Nature Center.
See the Virtual TIC tank's current water chemistry and temperature data--updated weekly.
Visit the Teacher Resources page for video lessons, detailed program guide, and other materials.