FAQ

Frequently asked questions

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Frequently asked questions

Who can participate?

Do I have to buy my equipment?

How do I get the trout eggs?

What do I do when the trout are ready to be released?

What do I do with my TIC equipment if I'm moving schools, retiring, or no longer want to participate in the program?

If you have other questions please send them to your regional TiC coordinator listed below:

Who can participate?

Trout in the Classroom (TIC) is an educational program tied to the curricula for 4th and 5th grades (mainly), to teach students about science, art, recreation and other values of fish and aquatic life.

Do I have to buy my equipment?

NDOW provides a limited number of the aquarium-chiller combinations (est. value, $500 per classroom set) for approved teacher classrooms each year. After the training, you will set up all equipment prior to egg delivery, to ensure the incubator (aquarium-chiller) is set up and functioning correctly. Sometimes we have a waitlist for equipment. If you are on the waitlist, but want to look into purchasing your own equipment to participate in the TIC program, let us know. We can provide you with a donation letter and a list of equipment needed to raise trout in your classroom.

How do I get the trout eggs?

After teachers have completed training, approved teachers will apply each fall for rainbow trout eggs delivered from January to February. Training is mandatory for new teachers, optional for the second year and beyond. You may recruit a volunteer or another teacher who will act as a "tank buddy," but they too must go through the training to participate in the program.

What do I do when the trout are ready to be released?

We have provided various versions of a "When Will They Hatch" worksheet to help you calculate an estimated date for when your trout will hatch and when they will be ready for release. Once, they are ready to be released, you will work with your regional coordinator to set up an approved release site and time.

What do I do with my TIC equipment if I'm moving schools, retiring, or no longer want to participate in the program?

One break year every two years is allowed to be able to keep your equipment and continue on in the program. If you plan to leave your school for any reason (i.e. retirement or transfer), all equipment must be returned to NDOW. Further arrangements can be made if you'd like to continue participating in the TIC program at your new school.