Herring Gut Learning Center

At the Herring Gut Learning Center we are learning about many different things. In the main class we start by taking a test based on last week’s notes. Then we have class for about 40 minutes in which we take notes so we can ace next week’s test. Right now we are learning about cell reproduction. In the cell reproduction class we learned about fission, which is when one cell separates into two cells of the same size. After that, we usually go into the fish hatchery. We are also doing Aquaculture, which is the cultivation of aquatic animals or plants.

In the climate-controlled main hatchery there are five tanks, two blue for the brook trout, and three gray for the rainbow trout. In the greenhouse, there are four tanks filled with tropical tilapia.

The main activities in the greenhouse and lab include water testing and cleaning the fish tanks. The main parts in the fish tanks to be cleaned include the inner walls of the tank and the stand pipe. Then we usually do water testing. With water testing we use chemicals to determine the pH, dissolved oxygen, and ammonia nitrogen in the tanks. These things all link together to keep both the fish and the plants healthy. We have also talked about having dissecting classes, in which we would be dissecting different aquatic species and animals. I think these classes would be very interesting.

Herring Gut Learning Center is a great learning experience as well as just a fun place to go. We are learning a lot and I hope to learn a lot more on Thursday!

-Stephen