AQUACULTURE IN THE CLASSROOM: K-12 INSTRUCTIONAL TECHONOLOGY AS A MODEL FOR EFFICIENT UNIVERSITY EXTENSION SERVICES Chad King, Dennis McIntosh, Kevin Fitzsimmons University of Arizona Abstract: As a model for disseminating background information to teachers as well as providing a valuable university extension outreach communication, a web- based compact disk reference was designed. The disk was created to provide a comprehensive background for starting an aquaculture system in a K-12 educational setting. For use as a reference material, the program starts with a history of aquaculture in Arizona, contains background information on the components of an aquaculture system, line drawing blueprints, a photo- narrative documenting the building of a small-scale recirculating system, water quality parameters, integration with hydroponic systems, and provides links to other valuable resources. Participatory information on the Arizona Future Farmers of America (FFA) Aquaculture career development event is provided as a means of efficient university outreach, preparing agriculture education teachers across the state for what to expect during this annual competition. This reference can further serve as a model for the growing role of instructional technology as a free resource and communication tool for use by K-12 educators, putting necessary information at the teachers’ fingertips in order that they may focus on the practice of teaching rather than researching. Introduction: Opening page showing topics covered Use of disk as a reference to high school FFA teachers: an introduction to the career development event and a collaborative contact sheet A photo-documentary approach to building a model aquaculture system Included are aquaculture system blueprints Background information includes references to many water quality parameters and comparisons of aquaculture system components Information on aquaculture variations, such as integration with agriculture Conclusion: It is our conclusion that the creation and distribution of reference materials in the form of instructional technology is an efficient way to assist educators and provide a link to university extension agents. The goal of reference materials such as this one is to free the teacher from much of the work of gathering information to present to students. Rather, this product provides a comprehensive source where teachers or students can work through background information in order to determine what is most relevant. Educators may then be freed to concentrate on the art of teaching, while students can use this as a springboard to creative problem solving and application to aquaculture practices. The communication piece provided by this increasingly inexpensive technology is a powerful tool, in this case providing information on upcoming competitions and encouraging communication between schools. This aspect could be expanded in the future to include updated information, new student activities, and current teacher information, all in a form that is accessible using all computers, especially helpful if internet availability is limited at school or at home for students.