Join California Department of Fish and Wildlife interpreters and scientists for a deep dive into aquatic ecosystems and fish during this fun webinar series designed for early elementary school aged students. Teachers and students are encouraged to come prepared with questions to ask the scientists during the Q&A portion of this live program.
Upcoming Lectures
Something's Fishy: Live Fish Dissection and Anatomy Lesson at the Warm Springs Fish Hatchery
Panelists: Bay Delta Region Interpreter and Environmental Scientist
Date/Time: February 26, 2026, 10:00 a.m. PST
Description: Don't miss this fun opportunity for your students to see a live demonstration dissection of a steelhead trout! Students will learn first-hand about the internal and external organs of fish and have the option to follow along using the anatomy worksheet handouts provided below. It will be a busy and exciting day at the hatchery as fisheries biologists will be spawning steelhead trout!
Please note: this program includes a demonstration of a real fish dissection on a dead fish, which is part of the normal hatchery spawning process. We will include an age appropriate discussion of the fish life cycle and the role that hatcheries play with ending the fishes life to carry out the spawning process to support wild fish populations."
Student Learning Resources: Internal Anatomy Worksheet (PDF)
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The Amazing Life Cycle of Chinook Salmon and Steelhead Trout: Behind-the-Scenes at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery
Panelists: Molly Shea (CDFW Interpreter II) and Mike Mamola (CDFW Environmental Scientist)
Date/Time: March 18, 2026, 10:00 a.m. PST
Description: Students will enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the Nimbus Fish Hatchery to learn about two incredible species of fish: Chinook salmon and steelhead trout. During this interactive lesson, students will explore the life cycle of these fish and the incredible adaptations that support them on their long migration from the Pacific Ocean up the American River every year!
Student Learning Resources: Life Stages of the Rainbow Trout (PDF) and Educational Activity Book - "A Trout's Life" (PDF)
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Traditional Ecological Knowledge: A Conversation with Tribal Partners about the Importance of Salmon
Panelists: Phil Albers (Education Director at Save California Salmon) and Maggie Peters (Native American Studies Model Curriculum Learning Specialist with Humboldt County Office of Education)
Date/Time: Wednesday April 8th, 2026, 10:00 a.m. PST
Description: Don't miss this special opportunity for your students to learn directly from Native American members of the Yurok and Karuk Tribes of Northen California. Students will learn about the importance of salmon, steelhead and trout for California’s Native peoples and explore how traditional ecological knowledge helps people care for California's rivers.
Student Learning Resources:Native American Studies Model Curriculum: Units and Lessons by Grade Span
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*Earth Day Special* Splash into Science: Learn About Nature Jobs and Careers in Environmental Science
Panelists: Jose Muñoz (CDFW Interpreter I), Monica Burnett (CDFW Environmental Scientist) and Edwin Nava (State Park Environmental Scientist)
Date/Time: Wednesday April 22nd, 2026, 10:00 a.m. PST
Description: Join us from Souther California to hear from scientists working at their dream jobs at the Department of Fish & Wildlife and California State Parks! Students will enjoy learning from inspiring environmental educators and scientists who made a career out of protecting fish, animals and the outdoors! Presenters will discuss their backgrounds and educational pathways to inspire students to pursue careers in fisheries science, conservation, communications and more!
Student Learning Resources: "Who We Are" - CDFW Career Video Playlist (YouTube VIDEO)
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Salmon's Epic Journey: Fish Migration through California's Central Valley and Foothills
Panelists: Victoria Knight (CDFW Interpreter I) and Gail Davis (CDFW Interpreter II)
Date/Time: Wednesday May 6, 2026, 10:00 a.m. PST
Description: Join CDFW Interpreters along the banks of the beautiful San Joaquin River. Learn about habitat restoration projects happening along California's Central Valley waterways and how salmon, steelhead and trout depend on clean water during their migration from the ocean through inland watersheds, like the San Joaquin.
Register online
Past Lectures
Coming Soon!
Live broadcasts will be recorded and posted here shortly after the program dates. Please check back soon.