“MinnAqua” Minnesota Fish Identification
Summary
Students will sort and identify 12-15 of Minnesota's most common fish in our area and share their reasons for each grouping. This will move into a class discussion about body shape, fins, coloring, mouths etc...After discussing this we will examine five fish families and the characteristics of each. Students can reorganize their fish cards into the recommended groups. Using a dichotomous key provided in the MinnAqua materials, we will examine and identify our samples more closely.
Learning Goals
Vocabulary:
-Dichotomous key
-Dorsal fin
-Adipose fin
-Whiskers
-Trout/salmon
-Pike
-Perch
-Sunfish
-Catfish
Key concepts are fish identification using observed data, analysis and synthesis of the data with the end result being an accurate identification
Context for Use
I plan to use this lesson in April to get ready for our class trip to Itasca State Park and fishing trip. I also believe it could be adapted to grades 4-8. Their understanding of the material would be at a much deeper level.
Description and Teaching Materials
My students will be divided into groups of 4 students and each group will get a set of fish cards to sort into groups. I want each group to be able to report to the class why they grouped the fish like they did. As each group presents, we will discuss the basic characteristics of the 5 families of fish: Trout/Salmon, Pike, Sunfish, Perch, and Catfish. During this lesson, we will cover body shape, fins, mouths, coloring and a few specialized characteristics like whiskers. Then, using the dichotomous key, walk through a few of the fish cards.
As a closing activity, the students will try to apply the dichotomous key to a fish card we have not yet used.
Teaching Notes and Tips
1. Name of fish family
2. One important characteristic of the group
3. A drawing or a picture of one of the species in the family.
Assessment
1. Name of fish family
2. One important characteristic of the group
3. A drawing or a picture of one of the species in the family.
Once these are made, we will use them as a review.