Third Graders Explore Lives of Salmon at Bonneville Fish Hatchery

The third grade class took a field trip to Bonneville Fish Hatchery last week to further their learning about salmon. Before the trip, the students explored the role of salmon as a keystone species, as well as some background about Bonneville Dam, hydroelectricity, and the fish hatchery.

During their field trip, the children learned more about the life cycle of salmon and went through an obstacle course pretending to be the fish. They got the opportunity to spot salmon, trout, and sturgeon in the pools at the hatchery, and learned about the dam and the role of the turbines. Seeing Herman, the large sturgeon estimated to be more than 80 years old, was a hit with the students.

Later this fall, the students will be able to observe salmon eggs in science class and eventually watch them hatch. “We will also weave in the importance of salmon to the Indigenous tribes as we launch our tribal history unit later this year,” said Leslie Weinheimer, third grade teacher.

Several children shared what they learned on the field trip:

• “I learned that there is a turbine in the dam that spins and fish don’t always get through the dam. I enjoyed seeing the little baby fish go up the ladder. It can take up to five hours for a fish to go up the fish ladder.” -Cora R.
• “Baby salmon have part of their egg on their tummy.” -Hannah L.
• “I learned what the salmon are called at the different stages.” -Augie L.
• “I learned the five types of salmon using my hand!
  • Pink–pinky
  • Silver–ring finger like a silver ring
  • King–tallest finger
  • Sockeye–pointer finger to your eye
  • Chum–thumb!” -Iris S.
• “Sturgeon have almost no bone and are only cartilage.” -Evan H.

Photos courtesy of Sammy Prugsamatz.