A fish's size, fins, and shape can tell us a lot about them! Learners explore fish anatomy to see how species use camouflage, scales, shape, and coloration to survive. The instructional activity includes advanced vocabulary such as fusiform shape, lateral and pectoral fins, and ganoid scales (along with others). The class uses reference charts and sheets to conduct a fish interview and write animal poetry. There is also a fish anatomy diagram worksheet included.

Concepts

fish, fish anatomy, fins

Show More Show Less

Additional Tags

science

Show More Show Less

Instructional Ideas

• Use the Fish Anatomy reference sheet (Student Information Sheet 2) to analyze photographs of fish. What can learners deduce from just a visual?

Classroom Considerations

• The lesson refers to "fishes", which most students will consider grammatically incorrect. However, in biology "fishes" is the correct term to reference different fish species
• You will have to create a project handout for the fish interview and animal poetry

Pros

• Fish anatomy diagram includes answer key
• Easy-to-follow instructions

Cons

• None