The Clyde in the Classroom project summary pdf and project outline below provide a general overview of the project.
Project Outline
1. Launch Day – A multi-media presentation at the Glasgow Science Centre. The children will be given a talk describing the geography and history of the River Clyde, the fish that live in it, and their life histories and habitat requirements. Management of the fish and their habitats will also be described. A second talk will describe the classroom hatchery and its maintenance. The pupils then have the chance to explore the GSC Science Mall.
2. Establishing a “Classroom Hatchery”. A simple “hatchery” will be loaned to the school and installed in the classroom by the Clyde River Foundation. Brown trout eggs will be placed in the hatchery and the children encouraged to follow the development of the young fish for two months.
3. Release Day – once the alevins have become fry and have almost consumed their yolk sac the pupils release them into a local burn.
Short Cuts:
•When? – The launch days will be in January. The classroom hatcheries will be installed by the end of January; the eggs will hatch during February and the young fish will be released before Easter.
•Where? – The launch days will be at the Glasgow Science Centre. The hatcheries will be installed in a suitable location in participating schools.
•How? – Children will be transported to the Glasgow Science Centre for the Launch Days. Buses will be arranged by the Clyde River Foundation. Consent forms for pupils to travel out of school will be administered by individual schools. Fish will be released by walking to local burns where practicable, otherwise transport will be arranged to-and-from release sites. A full risk assessment will be carried out for all activities associated with the project and all relevant health and safety guidelines will be adhered to.
•Who? – Troubleshooting and technical back up will be provided by the Clyde River Foundation (Telephone: 0141 330 5080). The Foundation will ensure that appropriately trained staff will make regular visits to participating schools.
•Why? – Clyde in the Classroom is a self-contained environmental project. Teachers can use the project to enhance all learning outcomes within the Curriculum for Excellence. Pupils will develop skills in science and positive attitudes towards social and environmental responsibility.