In its fourth year at the school, the project allows students to raise salmon from eggs and monitor their development while collecting data used by researchers worldwide. The school received 35 eggs. Photo courtesy of Maine Prairie High School

DIXON, CA (MPG) – Students at Maine Prairie High School are contributing to environmental research through the Spinning Salmon Citizen Science Research Project, a program hosted by the Solano County Office of Education that connects classrooms with scientists studying salmon health.

Now in its fourth year at the school, the project allows students to raise salmon from eggs and monitor their development while collecting data used by researchers worldwide. English teacher Lindsey Balidoy, who joined the project last year alongside science teacher Dina Flamik, said the experience has been both engaging and educational.

“We have 35 eggs, and the goal is, as they hatch and become juvenile salmon, we’re seeing if they have TDC,” said Balidoy.

TDC, or Thiamine Deficiency Complex, can affect salmon development and behavior. Students conducted twice-weekly observations, watching for symptoms such as corkscrew swimming, lethargy or death, and submitted their findings to an online research platform.

“The students are doing all of it,” said Balidoy. “Researchers all over the world use our data.”

This year’s project presented unexpected challenges. After returning from winter break, students found many of the fish appeared to be missing.

“We didn’t find any dead ones, they were just disappearing,” said Balidoy. “There were no visible issues with the water quality.”

This situation prompted students to expand beyond the standard curriculum and apply critical thinking skills. After several weeks of investigation, they discovered the fish had slipped beneath the tank’s gravel into a hidden space.

“We ended up finding 21 fish under the gravel that were alive and completely fine,” said Balidoy. “It was a great learning moment.”

Students worked with visiting researchers to retrieve and count the fish, documenting the process. Balidoy said the experience demonstrated strong student engagement and scientific inquiry.

“It was fantastic to see the students take the lead,” she said.

About 45 to 50 students participated across English, English Language Development and environmental science classes.

The project culminates in the annual Salmon Showcase, where students present research and creative work related to their findings. This year’s event is scheduled for April 14 in Fairfield and is open to families, peers and researchers, including participants from the University of California, Davis.

“Our salmon showcase is all the hard work the students have done over the project,” said Balidoy. “They get to show it off.”

Student projects include research on salmon’s role in local ecosystems and tribal communities, as well as artistic pieces. Balidoy said the program helps students develop curiosity and research skills through hands-on learning.

The student-led project included around 45 to 50 students across English, English Language Development and environmental science classes. Students worked with visiting researchers to retrieve and count the fish, documenting the process. Photo courtesy of Maine Prairie High School

“This isn’t just a topic I picked; it’s a topic that affects us all,” she said.

Students also gained field experience during a salmon release March 3 and explored cultural connections to salmon in their coursework.

Balidoy said the showcase highlights student achievement and community engagement.

“The community needs to see the good work that our students do,” she said.

She encouraged community members to attend the event.

“It’ll give you so much hope for what our youth are doing and thinking,” said Balidoy. “Come celebrate with us.”

Balidoy also credited the researchers who supported the program and the students who carried out the work.

“Without their inquiry and research, we wouldn’t have such a vibrant showcase,” she said.

According to Balidoy, the project offers students a unique opportunity to contribute to real-world scientific research while learning about the environmental importance of salmon.