Classroom Salmon Hatchery - Hands on Learning

One big example is the academy's classroom hatchery program http://www.kendellhurst.com/gradeschool/signaturescienceprograms.shtml, which allows Kendellhurst students to raise 100 Atlantic salmon from eggs. The students have the opportunity to watch the development of the salmon on a daily basis, while actively taking part in the process by feeding them, checking their water quality and ensuring the cleanliness of their aquarium.

After two months of nurturing the eggs, the students embark on a field trip to release the fry (baby salmon) into the Credit River, where the fish will begin life on their own. The Kendellhurst program is part of a larger project called Bring Back the Salmon http://www.bringbackthesalmon.ca to restock Lake Ontario with salmon, as they were wiped out from the lake more than a century ago due to overfishing, a loss of habitat and the construction of dams.

While there are 80 hatcheries in classrooms across the province, Kendellhurst is the only private school that is taking part in this program. The school's campuses have been issued a special permit from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry under the Endangered Species Act.

This type of hands-on learning experience lets children connect with their natural surroundings while making a positive difference they can be proud of. The school also lets students take part in other outdoor projects that positively impact the environment, including planting trees along the Credit River to help restore the natural habitat in the area.

The school's science programs are in line with the academy's goal http://www.kendellhurst.com/gradeschool/program_statement.shtml to foster critical thinking as well as social responsibility in its students.

To find out more about the programs offered at Kendellhurst's campuses in Mississauga and Oakville (offering preschool or grade school education), as well as the school’s educational summer camps, call 905-813-8000 or send an email [email protected] You can also get updates by liking the academy's Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/KendellhurstAcademy/.