Bringing Back the Brooks
Running time: 10 minutes. Produced in Partnership with the U.S. Forest Service. 2014
A Revival of the South’s Trout
Beautiful Southern Appalachian Brook Trout are treasured native fish In the Smoky Mountains of the southeast. National Park Service fisheries biologists are featured reintroducing “brooks” to the Little Tennessee watershed. With the help of kids and other volunteers, brook trout raised in hatcheries are returned by hand, bucket and hoof to the cool, clear waters of Sycamore Creek.
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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 the threats the species has faced.
Students will learn about the value of native aquatic species.
Students will observe how citizens can be part of the conservation process.
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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.
Citizen Science - Collaboration between scientists and the public to perform research. Citizen scientists often help researchers by gathering data over large areas and/or long timeframes.
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.
Hatchery - A facility used to spawn fish and rear them from eggs until they are large enough to be released into the wild.
Reestablishment - Introducing a species into an area where it once existed but no longer exists.
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.
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?
What are the roles of scientists in conserving Brook Trout?
How did community members help to restore Brook Trout?
Why are non-native trout common in historic Brook Trout waters?
Can you describe the physical appearance of a Brook Trout?
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What might have caused Brook Trout to disappear from these creeks?
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?
Why are clean water and healthy ecosystems important for people?
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Jim Herrig - Aquatic Biologist, U.S. Forest Service
Travis Scott - Regional Fisheries Program Manager, Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency
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.
