AQUACULTURE IN THE CLASSROOM: A REVIEW OF TEACHER TRAINING IN ARKANSAS  

The University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff began supporting high school vocational/agriculture teachers in 1992 and to date has worked with nearly 100 elementary, secondary, and higher education institutions. UAPB provides free fish, technical assistance, systems operation education, disease diagnostics, in-service training, and support by phone, text, email and house calls  free of charge to any educational institution. Although originally geared to agriculture teachers, biology and physics teachers have also used aquaculture in the classroom.

Different strategies have been implemented and new approaches are tested annually. Interesting outcomes noted by teachers across the state: provides a field trip without getting on a bus; a useful hands-on approach to convey math and science principles; excellent method for students to take ownership of their studies; cheaper method of keeping livestock; and a useful tool for managing anger and frustration in at-risk youth in special education situations.