WOODBURY — This year, Nonnewaug aquaculture program has grown tremendously. In previous years, aquaculture filled one class period, but with a growing interest, it has expanded to two.
“After I see how this year goes,” said aquaculture teacher Leanne Foster, “there may be more in store for aquaculture at Nonnewaug. “I am hoping we can continue to grow as an aquaculture class. I am excited to learn more with my students and hopefully get an even larger variety of fish.”
The aquaculture curriculum has gotten students more involved and interested in a class that used to have low numbers. The students in Foster’s class have shown their increased interest in the course.
“Last year, class was more hands-on,” said junior Renis Xhambazi, “but we were only focused on cleaning and just working around with the things outside. This year there is a nice mix. Sometimes you’re staying in the class the whole time, and sometimes you’re outside the whole time, and sometimes it’s both.”
Students also enjoy changes to the curriculum. They say that having a change of pace on some days can be nice. This year there is more of a mix of classroom and hands-on learning.
Foster is not only excited that students are interested in aquaculture, but she has a strong passion about the subject, too. This has led her to increase the variety of fish, tanks, and hands-on activities.
“The introduction of marine aquaculture and the attempt at saltwater tanks was also a way for students to see that new things are up and coming,” said Foster. “Also, students have been able to recreate their entire tank production systems in the aqua-house and have been able to take full accountability for its functionality.”
In addition to what the aquaculture class added this year, they also plan to add more. An increase in students may come across as a challenge, but Foster is grateful that students are being involved and is finally seeing the growth in interest.
“There were some challenges in setting up the additional program,” said Foster. “We have to be more flexible with two junior/senior aquaculture classes, but there are a lot more positives that go along with having double classes.”
Even though Foster has only been at Nonnewaug for two years, she has brought a lot more interest into the program.
“I allow students to think critically and problem-solve with real-life scenarios as they would in the industry,” said Foster. “I think something like that can be enticing for anyone.”
