Janet Schmitt's classroom at the Catasauqua High School looks like a miniaquarium, but it's a laboratory.

Student's enrolled in Schmitt's aquatic biology class raise and study trout physiology.

As a part of the course, students took a field trip to the Hokendauqua Creek, at the covered bridge in Allen Township, and released 500 brook and rainbow trout.

With the help of Schmitt and volunteers of Trout Unlimited, students waded into the creek with pails in their hands. The pails contained a variety of fish, some just out of the egg stage to 12-14 inches long.

The trout the students released came from Big Brown Trout Hatchery, Paradise Valley. The trout are expected to thrive in the creek, a popular area for anglers.

It was not about fishing for the students, however. Schmitt's main focus is to develop an understanding of the importance of freshwater chemistry and their ecosystems.

Seniors on the excursion included Ra'Van Burton, Derrick Bond, Ty Kern, Paryss Marshal, Kayla Stauffer, Cage Fairchild, Christian Marks, January Misero and Michaela Kincaid.

Schmitt said some of the course's goals are accomplished by raising and studying the trout.

"We study trout behavior and evaluate macroinvertebrate populations on a local waterway," Schmitt said.

Trout Unlimited helped the students develop skills in fly fishing and fly-tying.

"This helps students identify the important food items that trout require," Schmitt said.

Dale Ott, a retired Whitehall High School teacher and active member of Trout Unlimited was in Schmitt's classroom April 9 for a session titled "Trout in the Classroom," followed by an evening program "Fishing Alaska."