The ‘American Shad – Schools in Schools’ program is a three-part educational experience that connects students with hands-on restoration work which engages them in local conservation efforts. Students will not only be supporting the restoration of American shad, a native fish, but will also be able to better understand their role in protecting our native ecosystems. Like all of AWS’ environmental education programs, it provides students with the opportunity to be involved in positive solutions to local issues.
American shad is an anadromous species, which means the fish migrate from the sea to freshwater streams and rivers to spawn. The fish fell victim to the neglect and mistreatment of the Anacostia River, and the numbers of this fish dwindled. Subsequently, our Schools in Schools program was launched, where students raise shad fry (juvenile fish) from eggs in their classroom.
As a part of the Schools in Schools Shad program, students will gain an understanding of watershed dynamics, how our actions on the land impact our waterways, the ecological role of American shad, the shad life cycle, role in our local history, shad decline due to overfishing, habitat loss and pollution, and ultimate rebound through conservation efforts.
Students raise shad fry (juvenile fish) from eggs in their classrooms, in hatcheries provided by the Anacostia Watershed Society, and shad fry provided by Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Using microscopes, students observe the fish hatch, monitor the water quality of the hatchery, and learn about the fish’s life cycle and development during the course of the week. At the end of the week, students release the shad fry into the Anacostia River, where the fish will return as adults to spawn.
Over 1300 American Shad fry are released into the river through this program annually.
Program at a Glance
- Engages students in Washington, D.C. in restoration efforts by raising American Shad in the classroom
- Offered February – May annually
- Includes a class visit and intro class led by AWS educators
- Includes a boat tour of the Anacostia River and a shad “release day” at Anacostia Park in Washington, D.C.
- Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) for 4th grade; but it can and has been easily adapted for other grades and ages.
- Includes professional development training for all participating teachers.
Video. Anacostia Watershed Claymation
2009 video made by a 2nd grade class from Thomson Elementary explaining what they learned about the Shad and the Anacostia Watershed.
More Information
For more information about this program, please contact our Director of Education and Outreach, Kendra Bierman at kbierman@anacostiaws.org.
To learn more about American shad and the Schools in Schools program please check out this blog post.
