Summer 1998 Workshop

Photogallery

South Carroll High School in Carroll County, Maryland, was the host site of the Aquaculture in Action workshop. A fitting site to demonstrate a wide variety of systems and applications of aquaculture in the classroom.

For 13 years, teacher Bob Foor-Hogue has been applying aquaculture concepts in a county-wide curriculum known as Science Research.

South Carroll High School 750 gallon system.

South Carroll High School 500 gallon system used to raise catfish and tilapia.

South Carroll High School aquaponics tank. This system was designed to grow plants in the PVC pipe by using the water from tank. This technique is known as aquaponics.

"Work"shop

Teachers were given the materials and tools, literally, to design their system for the space available in the classroom. By performing design and construction, teachers were able to gain a more complete understanding of the concept of a reciruculating system.

Working in teams was a big plus. Once they started working with the power tools there was little you could do to stop them!

Working on the bulkhead fitting.

Gluing a sump inflow.

A workshop such a this attempts to recreate all of the real situations and dilemmas of performing aquaculture. So a flood on the second day was unplanned but appropriate!

Work was performed outside as well as in the science research classroom.

The conversion of everyday materials, like this trash can sump tank, makes the process more reflective of what can be accomplished in the classroom for far less expense than conventional equipment.

Teachers were exposed to many new concepts throughout the week.

Above, David Minges of the Chesapeake Bay Trust gives a talk about grant writing and how to obtain money.

To the left, Dr. Andy Kane lectures about fish health and defenses against disease.

Teachers spent a day at the Center of Marine Biotechnology's Aquaculture Research Center in Fells Point, Maryland.

John Stubblefield explains the research goals of the facility.

Teachers look on at striped bass in an environmentally controlled recirculating system.

The facility also houses other animals. Dr. Al Place is trying to understand how incubation temperature influences genetic control of sex determination in terrapins.

Educators from Arlington Echo Outdoor Education Center designed and built an upflow biological filter for their already existing system used for yellow perch.

Teachers were eager to add observation windows to their systems to ease the view of the future occupants.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources generously provided a very successful electrofishing survey of the stream behind South Carroll High School. This effectively demonstrated how teachers and students could learn more about native species and how restoration efforts can improve their populations.

Teachers were able to change and customize their system as the week progressed.

[Valerie Wesner adding a second biological filter]

Testing the completed systems gave everyone a chance to check for leaks, adjust flow rates and take pride in their accomplishment.

Some of the completed systems ready for transport!

Here they are - the graduating class of 1998. Picture yourself here in 2000!