Objective:
The student will be able to select a species of fish, research facts about this fish and write a report.
Materials Needed:
Activity:
Ask each student to select any particular species of fish (tropical, marine, cichlid, shark, etc.). Allow them to research facts about their fish and show them how to take brief notes on 3x5 index cards, write a bibliography, put facts in their own words and write an outline for a research report. (This report does not have to be as extensive as a term paper, but some of the same mechanics might apply in a simpler format.) Students can illustrate the written report with a picture of their chosen fish. They could even label the parts of its body and perhaps draw a picture of the body of water and part of the world in which their species of fish is typically found.Invite students to share their report with the rest of the class.
Result:
Students learn how to use reference materials, research facts, analyze data and write a brief research report. The teacher can instruct students on important skills such as writing an outline, re-wording a concept found in reference materials and presenting material in a logical format.
