Goldfish for science projects. >-(

not sure what kind of experiments they could actually be doing on them in 6th grade, although when I was in junior high we had a science teacher that would supposedly pour liquid nitrogen on a goldfish and then drop it on the floor where it would shatter....never saw it though, just heard about it.

I agree that if they're harming the fish its not good, but how come I never see any threads about folks outraged or wanting to rescue feeder fish from their LFS? It's always "I was in my lfs and saw this poor, mistreated <insert fish here> and took him home to save." What about the 600 goldfish stuffed in the 55 gallon tank with no future? Life is life...if folks are outraged about the mistreated oscars, bettas, etc. they should also be outraged about the feeders....Free the feeders!


I allways felt bad for the feeder animals. Especially the rats. Rats have a bad name they are very smart and are so loving. Feeding of live rats should be baned. The can just blow dry it for the snake, so it thinks its alive.
 
I allways felt bad for the feeder animals. Especially the rats. Rats have a bad name they are very smart and are so loving. Feeding of live rats should be baned. The can just blow dry it for the snake, so it thinks its alive.
yeah... plus rats can and will harm the snakes if they get the chance to. i've heard some nasty stories of them mauling less aggressive feeders, such as ball pythons. frozen is way better for both the snake and the rats/mice.

back on topic....

maybe you should tell the teacher your concerns, too.
 
not sure what kind of experiments they could actually be doing on them in 6th grade, although when I was in junior high we had a science teacher that would supposedly pour liquid nitrogen on a goldfish and then drop it on the floor where it would shatter....never saw it though, just heard about it.

I agree that if they're harming the fish its not good, but how come I never see any threads about folks outraged or wanting to rescue feeder fish from their LFS? It's always "I was in my lfs and saw this poor, mistreated <insert fish here> and took him home to save." What about the 600 goldfish stuffed in the 55 gallon tank with no future? Life is life...if folks are outraged about the mistreated oscars, bettas, etc. they should also be outraged about the feeders....Free the feeders!

I always feel terrible when I see the feeder fish, just imagine being raised just to be eaten by "more valuable" fish.

On the topic of what to do, talk to the principle first, if he/she realsies that this may be outraging parents it might be canceled. Then, if they don't do anything, call the ASPCA, they will probably do something. Do NOT call peta. In the area I live, they are a big problem and are turning very violent, so much so the community is becomming outraged. Whatever you end up doing, just remember to stay calm and keep your patience.
 
its a school...they teach kids. they're not some big, bad corporation testing chemicals on animals. all I've heard is that they're keeping fish in cups of dirty water and not feeding them at all....doesn't really make sense to me. why are they doing this? what are the experiments? do you have all the facts?

my wife is a teacher, and I can attest that teachers are some of the most hard working folks out there. call the principal if you must, but leave ASPCA & PETA out of it.....schools just don't need it. they've got a lot more to worry about.

if after talking with the principal, you still have concerns, offer to adopt all of them when they're done. as someone suggested, some LFS would be willing to take them for free.
 
Why dont we all debate.
School number: 253-373-7646
 
Aww shute, I called after hours. Darn it. I will call on Monday.
 
there is a difference between "school science experiments"

if youre in biology and your teacher gets a 55 gallon tank and puts in a male molly and then 4 females so you can OBSERVE the growth and development of the fry, that is a "good" "experiment" IMO.

starving a fish and letting its water putrify is not an experiment its just cruel.
 
there is a difference between "school science experiments"

if youre in biology and your teacher gets a 55 gallon tank and puts in a male molly and then 4 females so you can OBSERVE the growth and development of the fry, that is a "good" "experiment" IMO.

starving a fish and letting its water putrify is not an experiment its just cruel.
Well, one of my friends there just said it was a science experiement to "observe them". I said.."oh you mean watch them grow fungi and die in cloudly water? Sounds like a lot of fun! God Sarah, you really need to debate against that". She says theres "nothing she can do" though. I disagree. I am trying my best on Monday. I will be taking all the little comets..all 50-70 of them... HOW THE HECK AM I SUPPOSED TO DO THAT? What am I thinking? I am giving them to the pet store and hopefully to some of the people on here, and keeping some..but how am I going to get 50-60 goldfish to my house anyway?
 
I dont think ASPCA is going to care about a few fish - I am not sure they even consider fish and animal - i'll go research that.

There is no problem with a school science project using fish - however i would hope they would give them an environment that was healthy for the to survive.

Then again Betamom- your beta are used to growning up in dirty puddles with out any O2 so one could argue giving them a clean large home is not natural.
 
Why dont we all debate.
School number: 253-373-7646

I think its pretty irresponsible to be posting names and phone numbers of elementary schools for folks to call and complain, especially when you haven't spoken to anyone there and really don't have any facts at all.:mad2:

When you're done phoning the school, maybe you can call PetSmart and Petco to complain about the bettas in cups that you "rescue" all the time...for full price...lining the pockets of the people you complain about. Then don't stop there...start calling all the bait shops in your area that sell minnows or other live critters...you know people who buy them hook the thru the eyes, lip, or body and then use them to catch other fish.

In for a penny; in for a pound....
 
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