Fishing: Get in the Habitat! Minnaqua Program Leader's Guide for Angling and Aquatic Education

Minnesota, known for its “10,000 lakes” and rich fishing heritage, has over 2 million people fish Minnesota’s waters and contribute approximately $2 billion annual to the state’s economy. Fishing provides a relevant, real-world context for learning for Minnesota youth. Recognizing that recreational fishing and hunting can create strong connections to the environment and that youth involvement in fishing is declining, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) developed the Fishing: Get in the Habitat! MinnAqua Leader’s Guide for educators in formal and nonformal education settings. The guide aims to increase students’ understanding of Minnesota fish, aquatic resources, and resource management; involve students in aquatic-related service learning projects; and connect students to their local aquatic resources through the recreational activity of angling.

Extensive instructor background information, comprehensive activity procedures, and lesson extensions for “diving deeper” make this a valuable resource for educators. Lessons and activities provide angling and environmental education opportunities for schools, web-based education programs, non-traditional schools, community park and recreation programs, youth program leaders, nature centers, museums, sportsman’s groups, environmental learning centers, state agencies, watershed districts, fisheries resources and management educators, and any organization that conducts academic, standards based, science, outdoor, environmental, natural resources, conservation and/or outdoor recreational education programming for children. Accommodation of multiple learning styles is addressed through differentiation and diversity of lesson activities.

A local, systems-based environmental context for learning has been shown to impact student learning in a variety of measurable and positive ways. When students are physically, emotionally and cognitively connected to their local environment, overall academic performance and achievement increases across disciplines. Because the lessons and activities in the Leader’s Guide are focused on the local environment, they are a natural fit to build community partnerships and mentoring opportunities related to angling.

Fishing… Get in the Habitat! is a dynamic work that will continue to increase the effectiveness of MinnAqua’s educational outreach. As a result of working with a variety of intended users and stakeholders  MinnAqua has gained a better understanding of constituents’ needs in relation to educational materials, resources, and support. Understanding these needs will guide us as we seek to mentor and support ongoing efforts by educators and their communities.