R-MA Welcomes “Trout in the Classroom”

Front Royal, VA—  The science department at Randolph-Macon Academy (R-MA) is now home to trout eggs that will hatch and grow under the careful advisement of R-MA science teacher Hannah Bement and her students. “Trout in the Classroom” is a program designed for students K-12 to raise trout from egg to fry while engaging in studies of habitat and water resources.  The addition of the program at R-MA was announced over the summer and the eggs arrived in early October.

With more than 20 years of experience, “Trout in the Classroom” has aided students with subjects across the board. Bement expressed that by establishing a topic subject to interdisciplinary education, students will be able to learn more effectively. Bement furthered this notion by stating, “Getting outside will enhance the awareness of students, and aid their learning process by exposing them to new areas of study.”

The classes plan to help the trout grow and eventually release them into the streams of the Shenandoah this upcoming spring. Students will utilize these experiences to understand ecosystems and engage in stream habitat study. Bement also hopes the program will foster a conservation ethic among students. “Through understanding the tie of the mechanisms of life with the ecosystems, students will more actively engage not only with the lessons of this classroom, but other classrooms as well,” said Bement.

Randolph-Macon Academy (R-MA), founded in 1892, is a college-preparatory, coeducational day and boarding school for students in grades 6 through 12.  Students in grades 9-12 participate in R-MA’s 91st Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) and have the option to participate in a flight program. R-MA is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is located in Front Royal, VA.

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