Saving Brook Trout in the Smokies (Sample Lesson)
Running time: 5 minutes. Produced in Partnership with the Little Tennessee Native Fish Conservation Area. 2019
Restoring a Native Species
Learn more about the only trout species native to the Southern Appalachians, and the efforts by National Park Service biologists to strengthen their numbers.
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Applicable Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) by grade level include:
Grades 3-5
LS2 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy & dynamics
LS4 Biological Evolution: Biodiversity & humans
ESS3C Human impacts on earth systems
Middle School
LS2 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy & dynamics
LS4 Biological Evolution: Biodiversity & humans
ESS3-4 Earth and human activity
ESS3C Human impacts on earth systems
ETS1B Developing Possible Solutions
High School
LS2 Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy & dynamics
LS4 Biological Evolution: Biodiversity & humans
ESS3-4 Earth and human activity
ESS3C Human impacts on earth systems
ETS1B Developing Possible Solutions
Crosscutting Concepts
Patterns, similarity and diversity, Cause and effect; Stability and change, Systems and system models
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Students will learn about the Southern Appalachian Brook Trout and efforts to restore the species.
Students will learn about the value of native aquatic species.
Students will observe some of the job duties of a National Park Service biologist.
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Trout - A common sportfish across North America, trout live in cold lakes and rivers. Trout have a torpedo-shaped body and are often covered with either light or dark spots, depending on the species.
Conservation - The process of protecting a resource so that current use does not interfere with the ability of people in the future to also use the resource.
Native Species - Species that naturally exist in an area. In contrast with non-native species which have been introduced by humans either intentionally or by accident.
Historic Range - The area once occupied by a species. This term is most frequently used to describe all of the places where a species was once found, but is no longer found.
Extirpation - A local extinction of a species in a particular part of its range. Extirpation is distinct from “extinction” because other populations persist outside of the extirpated area.
Reestablishment - Introducing a species into an area where it once existed but no longer exists.
Ecosystem - An interconnected system consisting of all the living organisms and non-living features of the environment found in a particular place.
Headwaters - The uppermost beginnings of a river. Headwaters are typically found in mountains at the highest elevation point along a river’s course.
Watch the Film
In English. EN, ES closed captions optional (use 'CC' box in bottom control bar). Full screen viewing button on lower right.
Film Discussion and Reflection
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Why are Brook Trout special in Tennessee?
Can you describe the physical appearance of a Brook Trout?
What are the roles of biologists in conserving Brook Trout?
How does the work shown in the film support the mission of the National Park Service?
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What might have caused Brook Trout to disappear from some creeks in their historic range?
Are there any species of conservation concern in your region? What issues do they face?
In Tennessee Brook Trout are native, but elsewhere they’ve been introduced. What are the community values for native species, like Brook Trout in Tennessee, compared to introduced ones (like Brown Trout)?
What species of trout or other fish are native to your region?
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Matt Kulp - Supervisory Fishery Biologist, National Park Service
Images available to download for educational and classroom uses. Access more freshwater imagery at the Freshwaters Illustrated Archive.
Extended Exploration
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Use the link above to access and download a printable Hellbender model to cut out and assemble.
Designed by Matt Sloat. Produced with cooperation from US Forest Service - Nature Watch Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Tennessee Chapter of Trout Unlimited.
California Department of Fish and Wildlife Classroom Aquarium Curriculum Aids
A series of educational resources provided by CADFW including:
The Salmon Source, extensively researched activities for grades 3-8, 3 per grade, gathered from many resources to explore salmonids, their life histories and habitat requirements, with complete instructions and materials. Emphasis on salmon and their migratory habits.
A Trout’s Life - a coloring, puzzle, and activity book highlighting trout life history in the wild and in hatcheries. This activity book focuses on species native to California, which are similar to and can be compared and contrasted with Brook Trout.
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Brook Trout (Shenandoah National Park) - Life history and distribution of Brook Trout.
Brook Trout Restoration - A review of Brook Trout restoration efforts published on Nature Education Knowledge. This resource is most appropriate for High School and Advanced Middle School students.
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Related Pages and Lessons
Tags: click a tag to view other film pages related to that subject.
