Volume 14, Number 5 • September-October 1996

High School Aquaculture

By J. Adam Frederick

Students at South Carroll High School in Carroll County, Maryland, have been designing innovative aquaculture systems in a unique research course that challenges them to solve practical problems while working as part of a team.

The aquaculture projects provide a means for integrating such subjects as engineering, math, computer-aided drafting and composition with concepts of water quality and biology.

Under the direction of award-winning teacher Bob Foor-Hogue, the students have built seven recirculating aquaculture systems, ranging in size from 150 to 550 gallons. In addition to designing the systems, the South Carroll students produce multimedia programs and write grants to support the funding for these projects - they have been successful for each school year.

The Hall of Exploration at the Columbus Center in Baltimore will incorporate an aquaculture exhibit that is being designed by the South Carroll students as part of an exhibit highlighting aquaculture research at the University of Maryland Biotechnology Institute's Center of Marine Biotechnology - it will also illustrate how aquaculture provides an exciting way to study many aspects of science.

Visitors to the Hall will be able to see a work in progress as students and teachers collaborate in constructing and stocking the systems with such fish as yellow perch, trout and shad.

Editor's Note: The Columbus Center's National Center for Marine Biotechnology Research and Education will open a public Hall of Exploration in spring/summer of 1997. Maryland Sea Grant Extension Education Specialist J. Adam Frederick is based at the Columbus Center, developing and implementing education programs.

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