Search

This document targets upper elementary and middle school students and provides activities to understand what the ocean floor looks like, the interactions of ocean communities, and the true nature of sharks. The activities are developed at three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. The twelve activities include: (1) "Ocean Detectives"; (2) "Make a Mountain"; (3) "Ocean Motion"; (4) "Sea Around You"; (5) "Rock Reef Critters"; (6) "Ahoy! It's an Island"; (7) "Take a Dive"; (8) "Shark Parts"; (9) "A Dentist's Dream"; (10) "Smelly? Not!"; (11) "Fishing for Dinner"; and (12) "Shark Folklore." Career information and resources are also included. (YDS)

This activity book is part of a series designed to take a concept or idea from the existing school curriculum and develop it in the context of the Great Lakes using teaching approaches and materials appropriate for students in middle and high school. The theme of this book is life in the Great Lakes. Students learn about shorebird adaptations, invader species, food webs, and biomass pyramids. Activities are divided into several subjects: (1) Organisms in the Lakes; (2) Ecological Relationships; and (3) Estuary Values and Changes. The activities are characterized by subject matter compatibility with existing curriculum topics. Several kinds of connections have been designed to assist teachers in finding the place where the new materials fit and also the justification for fitting them. The connections include a Framework of Seven Understandings developed by science teachers, science educators, and scientists to represent fundamental desired results of science education. Each activity in this book addresses a number of these Understandings and two or more Earth subsystems. Connections are also made to the National Science Education Standards and the Benchmarks for Science Literacy. (PVD)

Presents a laboratory experiment that examines the aggressive behavior of male paradise fish. Students design the experiment, collect data, and analyze and interpret the results. This activity is appropriate for biology, ecology, and animal behavior classes and allows students to be involved in the entire scientific process. (Author/NB)

This publication describes the Sustainable Seas Expeditions which is a five-year project of ocean exploration and conservation focusing on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) national marine sanctuaries. This resource book is the first in a two part series. This first teacher resource contains an introduction to the Sustainable Seas Expeditions and Web sites along with background information. There is a listing of the National Marine Sanctuaries, and four classroom investigations are included. Investigation One examines marine species. Investigation Two takes a closer look at one sanctuary. Investigation Three plans an expedition while Investigation Four designs a submersible. Investigation Five uses charts to explore marine sanctuaries. Invesigatio Six examines how an oil spill will affect a national marine sanctuary. Finally, Invesgiation Seven looks at a sea turtle's life cycle. A glossary and a listing of teacher resources are also provided. (SAH)

This children's activity book helps students discover Alaska's salmon. Information is provided about salmon and where they live. The salmon life cycle and food chains are also discussed. Different kinds of salmon such as Chum Salmon, Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, and Pink Salmon are introduced, and various activities on salmon are included. (ASK)

This "how to" manual, designed as a working and teaching tool for extension agents as they establish and/or maintain local fish pond operations, presents information to facilitate technology transfer and to provide a clear guide for warm water fish pond construction and management. Major topic areas considered include: (1) selecting the site and type of fish farm; (2) selecting the appropriate fish; (3) constructing, preparing, managing, and harvesting the pond; (4) preserving fish; (5) problems of fish in ponds; and (6) methods of fish culture in places where ponds are not possible. A list of resources on various aspects of fish pond operation is included in an appendix. (JN)

This unit focuses on the concept that populations of marine organisms are unevenly distributed. It is designed for upper elementary and secondary school students and will take 6-10 class periods. Students become involved in identifying various causes of the uneven distribution of marine populations, especially that of the menhaden population. Because no conclusive evidence is given that supports any one cause of the decline, the students are faced with the dilemma that there are no actual answers to the problems. Included in the unit are student materials, teaching suggestions, transparency masters, evaluation materials, and selected references. (RH)

One of the basic principles of the Language Development Approach is that students must learn the language necessary to understand, talk, and write about all subject areas in order to succeed in school. This book contains information about teaching primary school science in the Northwest Territories with lessons that emphasize language. The goals of the unit are to (1) develop student language proficiency; (2) provide opportunities for students to use language in many different situations and for many different purposes; (3) develop student listening, speaking, reading, writing, and thinking skills including the science process skills; and (4) expand student knowledge of the science concepts related to fish. Following a section on resources (background information on Canadian fish, resources included with this unit--various pictures of fish, related English materials--magazines, lists of children's books about fish, teacher's resources, films, etc., and related aboriginal language materials), lesson plans on six topics (populations, appearance and behavior, habitat of fish, food, life cycle, and people and fish) are presented. Activity ideas for science/social studies, mathematics, language arts, music/poems/stories, art, physical education/movement, and special activities are suggested. Each lesson plan contains the following segments--exercises or activities: English vocabulary, English sentence patterns, English language concepts, special materials required, concept development/language exposure, language practice, and application. Poems, songs, and stories on this subject conclude the guide. The lessons are appropriate for students whose first language is English as well as for students who are learning English as a second language. (PR/CW)

This elementary school teaching unit was developed as a part of a series of units that deal with Lake Erie. This unit was developed to enable children to: (1) examine a moving fish; (2) conduct experiments with a live fish; (3) understand the swimming habits of fish; (4) learn how fish breathe; (5) recognize different methods of fish protection and habitats; and (6) compare a fish and a whale. The document contains a unit outline, descriptions of activities and experiments, background information for the teacher, reproducible worksheets, a list of vocabulary words, overhead transparency masters, suggestions on how children might create their own unit booklets, and library references. The last eight pages are designed to be removed, laminated, and connected to form posters that can be written on with watercolor markers and crayons. (TW)

This elementary school teaching unit was developed as a part of a series of teaching units that deal with Lake Erie. This unit was developed to enable children to: (1) name the different parts of a fish; (2) assemble a fish using overlapping overheads to reinforce fish parts; (3) build a fish to scale using jumbo fish puzzle parts; (4) classify fish according to various characteristics; (5) name ways animals protect themselves; (6) be familiar with vocabulary words associated with fish; and (7) name different types of fish. The document contains a unit outline, background information for the teacher, reproducible worksheets, overhead transparency masters, card games, puzzles, identification cards, book and song lists, art activities, and a bingo game. The last 12 pages are designed to be removed, laminated, and put together into 4 posters. (TW)

This curriculum guide is the fifth (Series VI) in a six-volume set that comprises the Sea Week Curriculum Series developed in Alaska. The book lends itself to the fifth-grade level but can be adapted to preschool, secondary, and adult education. Seven units contain 48 activities with worksheets that cover the following topics: (1) fish, their appearance, behavior, and classification; (2) fish species; (3) fish field studies; (4) fishing and fishing history; (5) human culture related to the seas and rivers; (6) fish as food; and (7) fisheries and the future. An introduction provides information designed to help teachers become familiar with the contents of the curriculum guide and to assist in planning. Each unit contains information on student objectives, and activity background, vocabulary, materials, and procedure. Activities engage students in interdisciplinary projects that involve the skills of classifying, identifying, comparing, computing, measuring, game playing, role playing, writing, observing, mapping, collecting data, recording data, and analyzing data. An annotated bibliography contains 168 resources. A packet of teacher reproducible worksheet masters accompanies the curriculum guide. (LZ)

Describes the care and breeding of zebra fish, suggests various experiments and observations easily performed in a classroom setting, and provides some ideas to further student interest and exploration of these organisms. (DDR)

Details an activity in which students are challenged to consider real-world problems. Students collect and organize data on two fish species, examine the data mathematically, draw conclusions about the organisms with which they work, and extrapolate the results to other environments. (DDR)

A theme of sharks is used to illustrate the process of developing interdisciplinary units for middle school instruction, including a model for teams of teachers to follow. As activities evolve, a concept map is created to illustrate relationships and integration of ideas and activities for various disciplines. (Contains 10 references.) (MKR)

Explains the process of developing the unit "Building an Aquarium" and introduces four hands-on activities which include teaching students how to read a metric ruler, observing and illustrating an aquatic plant, learning fish anatomy, and learning animal behavior. (YDS)

Presents an activity that uses ratio and proportions to create scale model and life-sized drawings of sharks. (ASK)

There is a completely new world to discover in the oceans, lakes, and rivers--a world filled with an amazing variety of fish. While all fish live and breathe underwater, each type looks very different and develops its own unique living habits. In this videotape, students learn more about the body structures of fish as well as how they reproduce and protect themselves in their underwater environment. This videotape correlates to the following National Science Education Standards for Life Science: characteristics of organisms, life cycles of organisms, and organisms and environments. The videotape is accompanied by a teacher's guide and a hands-on student experiment. (CCM)

The guide and the project record book included in this document are designed for 4-H members who would like to start a salt-water aquarium project. The guide includes the following topics: (1) general requirements for salt-water aquariums; (2) directions for making an aquarium; (3) suggestions for where to locate it; (4) pros and cons of using artificial sea water versus natural sea water; (5) types of material to use in the bottom of the aquarium along with instructions for cleaning it; (6) a discussion of filters, subsand filters, pumps, power filters, decorations, lighting, and heating that could or should be used; (7) recommendations on how to fill the aquarium with water; (8) guidelines for purchasing animals for the aquarium; (9) drawings of seven hardy tropical fish; (10) suggestions for collecting marine animals from natural environments; (11) procedures for introducing newly purchased or collected animals to the aquarium; (12) tips on feeding and water maintenance; (13) solutions for two common problems associated with salt-water aquariums; and (14) a 15-item bibliography of books and pamphlets on maintaining aquariums. The project record book contains a checklist, an activity sheet, charts, and record sheets to be filled out during the project. (JW)

This booklet provides a brief discussion of the anatomy and biology of rays in the Chesapeake Bay and a key to their identification. Descriptions of seven types of rays are also provided (with accompanying illustrations). These include electric rays, stingrays, butterfly rays, eagle rays, cownose rays, and manta rays. (JN)

Generally speaking, marine organisms found along middle Atlantic shores are not considered threatening to people. However, some of these animals can cause problems, either upon simple contact with the skin, as in the case of some jellyfish, or through careless handling. In addition, larger inhabitants of coastal waters (such as sharks) must always be treated with great respect because of the danger potential and their unpredictable nature. Descriptions of nuisance and potentially harmful organisms are therefore provided to help coastal residents and visitors become more aware of how problems with such marine animals might develop, how they can be avoided, and how certain injuries should best be treated if they occur. Animals described include: (1) jellyfish (stinging or sea nettle, lion's mane jellyfish, moon jelly, portuguese man-o-war, mushroom jelly, comb jelly); (2) sharks (sandbar, bull, dusky, tiger/hammerhead, sand tiger, Atlantic angel and mako sharks, and the spiny dogfish); (3) stingrays (bluenose stingray, cownose ray, roughtail stingray); and (4) unassuming problem fish and crabs (including toadfish, puffers, bluefish, black sea bass, blue crab, and others). (JN)

This lesson plan is designed for a 50-minute class to teach extension home economists and homemakers about buying, storing, and using fish. The lesson plan contains references, a list of equipment needed, objectives, and the presentation. The presentation consists of an outline of instruction coordinated with methods of instruction and aids and the amount of time to be spent on each element. Transparency masters and student handouts are included. Topics covered in the lesson plan include fish quality, recognizing and buying good quality fish, storing fish, and the benefits of fish in the diet. (KC)

This guide presents practical information about the characteristics and uses of seafood. The material can be used in several ways: as a seafood products program and teaching guide for home economics teachers, home demonstration club leaders, and extension agents; as a practical guide to the selection and preparation of seafood for consumers; and as a general sourcebook on seafood products for seafood retailers and laypersons. The manual is divided into seven parts covering the following topics: shellfish, finfish, special species of marine food products, manufactured fishery products, general information, seafood preparation, and composition and nutrition. Each unit contains 3 to 11 lessons of information on specific topics in that unit. Information sheets are illustrated with line drawings. Appendices to this guide focus on the chemical composition of fish, a glossary, bibliography, and a list of suggested teaching aids and sources. (KC)

A list of materials needed and methodology for "gyotaku" (fish rubbing) are provided. Originally developed in Japan and China during the early 1800's, the technique of fish printing has become popular in the United States during the last 10 years. Because good printing results depend on an understanding of fish anatomy, a chart is provided for this purpose. Practicing the art of gyotaku is considered to be one way to appreciate the beauty and variety of marine organisms. In addition, the technique can be used to make prints of shells, rocks, flowers, and other objects of nature. (Author/JN)

The New England Aquarium Education Department offers a series of curriculum units and field trip guides for teachers of all grade levels on aquatic biology and ecology topics. Fish characteristics and behaviors are explained in this packet for secondary science teachers. Pre-trip materials include factsheets and worksheets on fish: (1) characteristics; (2) general anatomy; (3) senses; (4) coloration patterns; (5) shapes; (6) survival behaviors; and (7) external and internal anatomy. Forms for recording observations on fish behaviors and characteristics during an excursion are provided. Suggestions for post-trip activities are also given. This particular guide contains a floor plan of the New England Aquarium, a listing of aquatically oriented curriculum packets, and an explanation of the facility's teacher resources. (ML)

This document consists of a learning activity packet (LAP) for the student and an instructor's guide for the teacher. The LAP is intended to acquaint occupational home economics students with the market forms of fish, how to clean and portion them, and how to cook them. Illustrated information sheets and learning activities are provided in these areas: buying fish (types of fish, market forms of fish); scaling, cleaning, and portioning fish; and fish cooking methods (cooking fish, frying, cooking in liquid, and dry heat cooking). The instructor's guide begins with an instructional matrix in which the information sheets and written activities contained in the LAP and the written test items included in the instructor's guide are cross-referenced to the knowledge objectives addressed by the materials. This is followed by a series of notes to instructors on the LAP series and suggested instructional procedures for use in conducting individual and group enrichment activities. A unit test and answer key are included. (MN)

This document consists of a learning activity packet (LAP) for the student and an instructor's guide for the teacher. The LAP is intended to acquaint occupational home economics students with fish and shellfish for restaurant use. Illustrated information sheets and learning activities are provided in these areas: buying and storing fish and shellfish (inspection, buying fresh fish and shellfish, buying preserved fish and shellfish, and storing fish and shellfish); timetable for cooking fish and shellfish; and garnishes and sauces for seafood. The instructor's guide begins with an instructional matrix in which the information sheets and written activities contained in the LAP and the written test items included in the instructor's guide are cross-referenced to the knowledge objectives addressed by the materials. This is followed by a series of notes to instructors on the LAP series and suggested instructional procedures for use in conducting individual and group enrichment activities. A unit test and answer key are included. (MN)