CoVE Classroom Explores Science with Trout in the Classroom

March 24, 2025

Trout in the Classroom: Hands-On STEM Learning for Students with Autism

At Lamberton Middle School in the Carlisle Area School District, students in Mrs. Mitchell’s CoVE special education classroom are making a splash with the Trout in the Classroom (TITC) program!

Through a partnership with PA Trout Unlimited and the Cumberland County Chapter, students with autism and intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD) are raising trout from eggs to young fish in a carefully maintained 55-gallon aquarium.

This hands-on STEM experience combines science, environmental conservation, and inclusive education—empowering students to observe, analyze, and engage in real-world learning.

🐟 Building Real-World Skills Through Daily Care

Students are actively involved in:
✔️ Testing water quality & recording data
✔️ Monitoring fish development from egg to fry stage
✔️ Learning about aquatic ecosystems & conservation

When the 120-150 trout eggs arrived, students carefully:

Transferred them to a breeder basket
Acclimated them to the right water temperature
Checked for mortality rates & logged data

They even took field trips to a local fish hatchery and aquarium supply store—giving them hands-on experience beyond the classroom!

🔬 Science, Discovery & Special Education Innovation

Thanks to a generous donation from the Carlisle Science Department, students received:
✅ A microscope to study trout anatomy
✅ New tools to examine fish behavior, mutations & cannibalism

In a one-of-a-kind experience, students will also get to dissect an adult trout, thanks to volunteer Chuck Dinkel from Trout Unlimited!

🏫 Bridging the Gap Between Special Education & General Ed

One of the most powerful aspects of this program is how it’s breaking down barriers between students in special education and the broader Lamberton Middle School community.

💡 General education students & staff regularly visit the CoVE classroom to:
✔️ Learn about trout care
✔️ Engage with CoVE students in hands-on science
✔️ Build connections & understanding around autism and IDD

✏️ Expanding Autism-Friendly Education Resources

While the TITC curriculum is excellent, it wasn’t originally designed for students with disabilities or learning differences.

To make it more inclusive, Mrs. Mitchell is developing an adaptive teaching manual that will:
✅ Modify STEM lessons for students with autism & IDD
✅ Provide future special education classrooms with accessible materials
✅ Expand inclusive learning opportunities for students of all abilities

🌊 A Full Circle Moment: Releasing the Trout in Spring

This spring, students will release their trout into a local stream—putting their hard work, observations, and care into action while reinforcing the importance of environmental conservation.

🎉 A Model for Inclusive Education

The Trout in the Classroom initiative at Lamberton Middle School is so much more than a science project.

🌟 It’s a bridge between special education and general education.
🌟 It’s a hands-on STEM experience that builds real-world skills.
🌟 It’s a model for inclusion, autism awareness, and community engagement.

At Vista Autism Services, we’re proud to support programs that empower students of all abilities—proving that with the right opportunities, unique potential is always within reach!

📢 Join the Conversation!

Do you love seeing inclusive learning in action? Share this story and help us spread awareness about autism-friendly STEM education!

📖 Learn More About Trout in the Classroom

Want to learn more about the Trout in the Classroom program and how it brings hands-on STEM learning to students? Visit PA Trout in the Classroom for more details!

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