By Amber and Kayla
Photo by Amber
Laura Holmes, one of Westside’s second grade teachers is introducing students to the the concept of having a life in your hands.Laura has set up the opportunity for her students to raise and care for the two hundred Coho salmon eggs, recently delivered to our school campus from Soos Hatchery in Kent.
The second grade class received the salmon while they are still eggs, and raise them through their egg, alvin, fry, parr and smolt stages. The 2nd grade class will then take a field trip to Fauntleroy Creek where they release the salmon smolts. From this stage the salmon will grow to be about 1-2 feet and venture out into the ocean. If they survive they will return to the same creek in four or so years, where they will spawn and die. And the life cycle of the Coho will start over once again.
Laura is keeping the kids involved through taking turns changing the water in the tank by sucking up the water through a tube. Students also take turns testing the chemical levels in the tank. Students name the fish and enjoy taking care of them too. It's a great experience for them to have the opportunity to be a part of such an adventure!
