The ND FFA Foundation, in partnership with the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, supports programs that bring agriculture and natural resource education into the classroom in meaningful ways. The Killdeer FFA Chapter’s “Great Trout Expedition” gave students firsthand experience in conservation, environmental science, and aquaculture—all from their school building.
Program: Killdeer FFA
Teacher: David Leier & Erik Johnson
Impact: 100+ students
Purpose:
To help students explore the Environmental and Natural Resources career pathway by raising trout in a classroom environment and learning the importance of aquatic stewardship.
Objectives:
- Provide students with real-world experience in caring for live fish.
- Teach water quality management, animal nutrition, and conservation principles.
- Spark interest in environmental and natural resources careers.
- Complete a successful rearing cycle and release fish to ND Game and Fish standards.
Killdeer students monitor trout growth and tank conditions as part of their daily routine.
With funding from the Ag in the Classroom grant, Killdeer FFA members created a classroom aquaculture system to raise trout from fingerlings. Students set up the tank, maintained optimal environmental conditions, fed the fish daily, and tracked their growth. Water testing, cleaning, and health monitoring helped students better understand the level of management required to sustain aquatic life.
While five students were directly responsible for the daily care of the trout, more than 100 students engaged with the project throughout the year. Many stopped by to observe the tank, ask questions, and discuss wildlife-related careers sparked by the experience. The project not only achieved its goal of successfully raising trout but also inspired deeper curiosity about North Dakota’s natural ecosystems and conservation efforts.
This project represents the growing need to connect classroom learning with real-world applications in agriculture and natural resources. For the students of Killdeer, it was more than just fish in a tank—it was a firsthand look at the responsibilities and rewards of environmental stewardship.
