Are you ready to join over 300 Salmon in the Classroom teachers around the state? Classes raise and learn from Chinook salmon, from eggs in the fall to releasing young smolts in the spring. Classrooms utilize provided activities, maintain the tank, care for the fish and then release them in a fun culmination of the year.

Applications are due between Jan. 1 and April 15 each year. Only third-12th grade classrooms are able to apply.

Things to know before you apply:

• Classroom teachers from public, private or charter schools teaching third-12th grades are able to apply.
• Applicants will know in May if they are accepted to the program. One successful applicant = one tank = one set of eggs.
• Over the summer, teachers should seek out sponsors and purchase the $1,500-3,000 worth of equipment needed.
• In mid-October, new teachers must attend a two-hour Zoom workshop on aquarium setup and maintenance, then set up their own tanks.
• In mid-November, new teachers must attend a one-day, in-person professional development workshop.
• At the end of the workshop, you get your eggs and go straight to your classroom to acclimate them to your tank.
• From January through release, fish must be fed daily on weekdays, with any debris siphoned out.
• Weekly, you must measure water parameters, siphon the bottom and exchange 25% of the water.
• Throughout the year, you will use the classroom activity guide to incorporate learning about the salmon, the Great Lakes and ecology.
• In the spring, you and your students will select and travel to a local approved stream to release your fish. This day can be a short fieldtrip, or include learning stations and activities.

Apply and learn more:

1. Read through our Start-Up Guide and Application to understand the program and to apply between Jan. 1 and April 15.
2. Check out all our great resources for SIC teachers.

Returning or replacement teachers

If you are returning to the program after a year or more off, or you are replacing a teacher that used to participate in the program, you must:

• Submit a completed SIC application by Oct. 1.
• Read your confirmation email for the next steps.

For questions about the program, contact the DNR's aquatic education coordinator, Tracy Page.