At Granby Memorial Middle School Fish Kids club, students were studying brown trout and their unique adaptations, including an ability to change coloration and patterns to better blend into the environment. During the lesson, one student, Owen Blanchard, posed a question that evolved into a project: What if the fish tanks looked more like the fish’s natural habitat?
For over 20 years, the school’s trout tanks had been painted a uniform sky blue. While functional, the artificial backdrop may have limited the fishes’ ability to develop the vibrant greens, yellows and spotted patterns seen in wild brown trout. Owen suggested repainting the tanks in natural colors to better support the fish before releasing them into the wild.
“I was learning about how fish, especially trout, base their body colors on their habitat, so I thought it’d be best to change the colors in their tank before sending them into their natural habitat.” Owen explained.
Recognizing the potential of the idea, the teacher and school administration took action. A grant application was submitted to the Granby Education Foundation (GEF). In January, the school received funding to purchase five colors of specialized, non-toxic epoxy paint.
Since then, members of the school’s after-school Fish Kids club have worked together to sand and repaint one of the tanks in a naturalistic pattern.
When asked how it felt that his idea turned into a real experiment, Owen explained, “I think it’s special and I’m proud of myself that I came up with an idea that was put into motion.” He continued, “I like helping, and I’ve always liked fishing, so it’s cool to see how fish work.”
Owen hopes his experience encourages other students to speak up and share their ideas. “I feel like in an environment like this, no idea is stupid,” Owen said. “All of them are viable until proven not.”
Students will carefully document the fish by photographing and weighing them before placing them into the newly painted tank. They will record any changes in appearance and development before releasing them on May 8.
Fish Kids meets every Thursday after school and has seen strong participation from students this year. In addition to the tank project, the group has successfully hatched approximately 100 trout eggs, which are thriving in a separate tank. Students expressed how much they enjoy attending the club, saying how cool it is to observe the fish and see them grow.
Submitted by Granby Public Schools