Making a Splash in Science

Students in Solano County partnered with researchers from UC Davis to investigate the behavior of 'spinning salmon'. This behavior involves young salmon twisting in a spiral pattern and is believed to be linked to a thiamine deficiency. For one semester, ten high school classrooms observed salmon eggs with varying thiamine levels. Students shared their observations and questions with UC Davis researchers, making valuable contributions to scientific research and gaining hands-on experience in a collaborative research team.

Students Release Salmon

Students attended field trips, collected data, and interacted with researchers and guest speakers. They enjoyed observing the salmon's journey from eggs to alevins (newly spawned salmon or trout) and teachers benefited from collaborating with the research team and accessing curricula. To conclude the semester program, students had the opportunity to release the salmon back into the river system, creating a meaningful experience for students to connect their work to long-term research efforts in California.