Author: Chelsea Walling
Planning Unit: KSU Aquaculture
Major Program: Science, Engineering, and Technology
Outcome: Initial Outcome
Approximately 25 high-school age students from the AG Discovery program visited KSU's Aquaculture Research Center Tuesday June 8th, 2021. I led these students on a tour of the active research projects taking place at the ARC and I set up an aquatic species dissection demonstration. We talked about aquaponics and its use in urban areas and examined aquatic species utilized for research at the ARC. We discussed the use of genetics research in aquaculture and the importance of providing economically viable and essential nutrition for optimal production of fish products. The students worked in pairs and used nets to remove a largemouth bass or tilapia from a holding tank. They then used an ice bath method to humanely euthanize the fish before weighting and measuring their fish. We then began with an external anatomy lesson where we discussed the different fins and correct body part names. We then worked together to dissect the fish and discussed the different internal structures and their functions. We also showed them how to draw blood from the fish and explained why we would used their DNA for research. The students were very engaged and asked some great questions. I believe that had a memorable experience and according to their attitude surveys they really enjoyed the hands-on learning environment and active participation we provided at this program.
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