The Story of Nimbus Fish Hatchery
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Provided by: Green Guardians|Published on: November 11, 2022
Lesson Plans
Scientist Reviewed
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This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This set of four lessons and additional resources details how building dams can impact fish populations and how one fish hatchery in California is acting to help endangered salmon survive.
- Students will learn about the history of the Nimbus dam, why it was built, the journey of salmon during their life cycle, the importance of salmon as a keystone species, fish ladders, water pollution, how climate change affects fish populations, and what people can do to help endangered fish species.

Subjects: Science, Social Studies, English Language Arts
Authors: Green Guardians
Region: North America, USA - West, United States, California
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This resource is incredibly detailed and includes everything needed in order to complete a small unit.
- It includes presentation slides with notes, worksheets, lesson plans, a family guide, engaging games, and videos.
Additional Prerequisites
- Students should have a basic understanding of how human activity impacts ecosystems and species.
- Teachers will need to make physical copies or digitally distribute worksheets for student completion.
- The links for the readings and audio clips in the slide presentations do not function.
- The list of beach clean-ups to join is for California only, but you could have students sign up for stream clean-ups in their local area.
Differentiation
- Connections can be made in health classes discussing sources of food or social studies classes learning about how human society impacts the environment.
- Consider chunking the lessons into smaller parts for younger students or classes who struggle with longer sessions.
- Science classes can use this resource to introduce many ecology concepts including ecosystems, keystone species, predator-prey interactions, and habitat destruction or degradation.
- Engineering classes can discuss the fish ladders, the design of the dams, and the infrastructure needed to transport water to other areas of California from the dams.
- As an extension, have students write a reflection at the end of each session about their learning.
Scientist Notes
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Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
Green Guardians
Our mission is to promote K-12 environmental literacy as a project-based, multi-disciplinary 21st century learning initiative that engages students, parents, teachers, educators, schools, community-based partners and school districts committed to a sustainable and equitable future.
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →




