Exploring Fish

Core Learning Experience + Supplies and Equipment

  • ​Observe fish in a fish tank. Movement, fins, gills, eyes, mouth, sleeping, eating, interaction with other fish. Note that is living in water. 
  • Alternatively, purchase a whole fish at the market. Observe body structure, color, iridescence, scales, inside mouth, teeth, gills, fin and tail structure. It is possible to cover with a thin layer of paint, and press on paper to make a print. When dry, label the various parts.

Possible/Expected Discoveries

  • Animals have features that help them live in different environments. A fish's body is perfectly suited to life underwater, just as our bodies are suited for life on land.
  • Fish live under water. Can people live underwater? Why? Then how can fish? We have lungs to breathe air (oxygen), and fish have gills to extract oxygen from water.
  •  We have legs to go places. How do fish get around? Talk about fins and tail movement in water. 
  • Fish are not mammals, so they do not have live babies. They lay eggs. (Show photo).

Extended Learning and Other Curriculum Areas

  • ​​Have the children draw a large outline of a body and tail on paper. Cut it out and decorate with tissue fins, bright markers and glitter. You can make it 3 dimensional by stapling or taping a backing, and stuff it with bits of newspaper.
  • Create flying fish for counting games: fill old socks with lima beans or similar, tie it closed with a knot. Throw at a target, or into a container. 
  • Crayon resist: draw colorful fish etc. with crayons; paint over with a thin layer of turquoise watercolor.
  • Counting sets of goldfish crackers on to paper fish bowls.
  • Match colorful tropical fish pairs. 

Activity Packs and Printables

Websites

​http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/faq/ (fish facts) 
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/explore/fish.htm
http://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/fish/printouts/

Books

​What’s It Like to Be a Fish? by Wendy Pfeiffer