Fish in Schools Program Support

Bringing fish, conservation and discovery into Edmonton classrooms

Thanks to funding from the Edmonton Community Foundation, the Alberta Wildlife Federation (AWF) is helping Edmonton-area schools participate in the Fish in Schools (FinS) Program by covering the cost of required aquarium infrastructure and equipment.

Through this initiative, students gain hands-on experience raising fish in the classroom while exploring aquatic ecosystems, conservation, and Alberta's native fisheries.

In addition to providing equipment support, AWF enhances the learning experience with engaging classroom presentations and supplementary educational resources that help connect students to Alberta's fish, wildlife, and aquatic habitats.

What is Fish in Schools?

Fish in Schools (FinS) is a provincial fisheries education program coordinated by Bow Habitat Station (BHS), Government of Alberta. FinS provides schools across Alberta with unique, hands-on experiential learning opportunities to raise rainbow trout from egg to alevin to fry, in their own classroom aquariums. Over a five-month period (January through May), students and teachers monitor and maintain the care and health of 65 rainbow trout and at the end of their project term release these fish into a provincially-approved waterbody. 

Learn more about the FinS program

Making participation more accessible

The cost of setting up a classroom aquarium can be a barrier for schools interested in participating in FinS. Through funding support from the Edmonton Community Foundation, AWF is helping remove that barrier by supporting the cost of aquarium infrastructure and equipment for eligible participating schools.

Our role is simple: help more schools get through the door.

What's Included?

✔ Aquarium equipment and infrastructure support

✔ Classroom presentations from AWF staff

✔ Supplementary educational resources

✔ Hands-on learning tied to Alberta curriculum

✔ Direct participation in the Fish in Schools (FINs) Program delivered by Bow Habitat Station

Who can apply through AWF?

  • Edmonton-area schools

  • Grades 3, 4, 5 or 6 classes only

  • Schools not currently participating in the FinS program

  • Schools able to meet Bow Habitat Station program requirements

  • Schools committed to completing the full program cycle

How it works

Step 1

Submit an an application to AWF

Step 2

AWF reviews eligibility and funding availability. Schools accepted into the program will be notified.

Step 3

Schools that have been accepted will start the program with AWF and Bow Habitat Station.

Step 4

At the end of the school year, schools release their fry to complete the program.

Step 5

Return your equipment and complete your survey.

Ready to bring Fish in Schools to your classroom?

Submit your application

Working together to connect students with conservation

Alberta Wildlife Federation
AWF is Alberta's oldest and largest conservation organization, working to safeguard, enhance and promote the responsible use of Alberta's natural environment.

Bow Habitat Station
Bow Habitat Station delivers the Fish in Schools program and provides participating schools with program support, training, educational resources and technical assistance.

Edmonton Community Foundation
Funding from the Edmonton Community Foundation is helping make participation more accessible to schools.

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FAQs

  • FinS is a provincial fisheries education program coordinated by Bow Habitat Station (BHS). FinS provides schools across Alberta with unique, hands-on experiential learning opportunities to raise rainbow trout from egg to alevin to fry, in their own classroom aquariums. Over a five-month period (January through May), students and teachers monitor and maintain the care and health of 65 rainbow trout and at the end of their project term release these fish into a provincially-approved waterbody.

  • AWF is collaborating with 25 schools in the Edmonton Area to support and expand/enable more participation in the FinS program by supplying aquarium equipment, covering the costs of annual supplies, egg delivery and return. In addition to providing enhanced in-person educational activities and learning materials.

  • In addition to providing the rainbow trout eggs, BHS provides participants with the required training and licencing for the program, access to learning materials, and student webinars.