Objective:
The student will be able to select a State Fish based on characteristics of the state.
Materials Needed:
Activity:
Divide students into several small groups. Make sure that each small group has at least one of the above-mentioned resource materials about the state.
Tell each group that they have the authority to select a “State Fish” for their state. Distribute Aquademics™ Social Studies Worksheet #1. In order to select the most perfect fish for this honor, groups should first review reference materials to make a list of the characteristics of their state (i.e., climate, bodies of water, landforms, agricultural products, population, goods and services, etc.). Use the Worksheet to record the state’s characteristics.
Students should then compare the state’s characteristics with characteristics of different fish species, and select a fish that best exemplifies the state. The fish characteristics also can be recorded on the Worksheet. One member of the group should record all of the group’s discussion and reasons for selecting a particular fish.
At the conclusion of the allotted time, each group should present its nomination for official “State Fish.” The class will vote for a “State Fish” from the candidates that are presented.
Students can compose a Letter to the Editor or a letter to the community newspaper’s Education Reporter explaining the project and why they made their selection for the state’s official fish.
Result:
This exercise offers a creative way for students to examine and discuss the unique characteristics of their state. Not only is their state pride and knowledge enhanced, but also they can participate in a valuable civics lesson by informing the community that aquarium education offered a special insight into their social studies lesson.
