Aquatic Research & Conservation Society, Inc.

ARCS mission is to support and promote fisheries research and conservation

through science and public outreach.

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Our goal is to provide a variety of ways for children and young adults to

immerse themselves in local aquatic habitats with the help of our expert

educators who have the experience, knowledge and training to bring science

to life. 

 

Objectives:

• To continue to support and promote fisheries conservation through public outreach;

• Collaborate with youth groups, schools, universities and other educational entities to motivate children and students to become citizen scientists, which will contribute to the conservation of fish populations and their habitats;

• Collaborate with schools, universities and other educational entities to prepare students for careers in wildlife biology, conservation, and management through field experience;

• Conduct outreach activities that expand knowledge of fisheries science and management; and

• To enhance awareness, use and protection of our natural environment.

 

ARCS Junior Explorers Programs (age 4 to grade 5)  These programs offer science education that goes beyond the book and into the lakes and rivers.  Children and students will discover the wonders of aquatic animals and their habitats studied by ARCS scientists through fish collection and identification.

 

ARCS Junior Scientists Programs (grades 6-8)  Children will collect fish and organisms that live in our local waters and identify them during this experience based learning program. Using seine nets, we will search shallow waters to collect, observe, and discuss the natural history of the many fishes and other animals that inhabit the area.

 

High School Volunteer Program (ages 15-18)  The ARCS High School Volunteer Program provides high school students with a dynamic, hands-on fisheries science experience that complements their traditional academic studies. It’s perfect for students who are excited about biology, curious about Minnesota and Wisconsin’s waterways, and are interested in aquatic conservation.  Students will participate in structured research projects and will participate in our education programs. Training is provided. 

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ARCS Internship Program  ARCS Internships allow college students and recent college graduates to gain valuable hands-on experience in aquatic research, conservation, and education. Training is provided.

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ARCS In-Class Outreach Programs (preschool through grade 8) Our educators are experts at getting kids excited about science and we will bring science from the real world into the classroom.  Workshops are age specific and will include hands on experiences, educational hand-outs, stories, games, and crafts.

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ARCS Classroom Kits (grades K-8)  Educators can request a free environmental education kit that will give them the tools they need to boost their science curriculum.  Classroom kits are provided to educators by request at no cost.  These kits will include information on aquatic species and habitats, stickers, educational activities, and a CD with hand-outs to print and copy as needed.

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ARCS Outreach Angler Presentations  ARCS staff conducts educational outreach presentations to youth and adult angler groups in Minnesota and Wisconsin.  Presentations are age appropriate to get students and adults interested in native fish and their habitats.

 

Our educators have extensive outreach experience, including hosting children’s events. ARCS educators offer several ways for children and students to learn about local aquatic habitats, science, conservation and the scientific method.