The pupils feed the fish, measure the water temperature and monitor the development of the fish. After six weeks, the big day arrives: the pupils release the young sea trout. The programme starts immediately after the May holiday and consists of six lessons spread over six weeks. The guest lessons are given by the fish guides from the Wadden Sea Society. The teacher also provides two lessons themselves.
In 2021, four primary schools in Friesland and Groningen took part. Renske de Boer is a teacher at Dr. J. Botkeskoalle in Damwoude, one of the participating schools. She was quickly very enthusiastic about the educational programme. “We have had the fish at school for about two weeks now. I think it’s wonderful—it is literally alive. The eduquarium is in our learning area. Besides group 8, other pupils also keep an eye on the fish. Every day we conduct experiments and measure the pH value, oxygen level and temperature. The pupils find it super fun and interesting.”
Once a week, there was a fish lesson. A fish professor would then come by. Xantha Doevendans was one of the fish professors. “What I like so much about the fish lessons is that through all kinds of assignments and experiments, the pupils become acquainted with conducting research. The pupils are very curious and motivated. They also ask the most wonderful questions; for example, one pupil wanted to know whether fish can fall in love.”
Interested? Email [email protected] for more information. Read here an article by Fish for Connection about the experiences in 2021.
Photo: The eduquarium at Dr. J. Botkeskoalle in Damwoude.