Know the Parts of a Fish

Objective:

The student will be able to identify 5-8 different parts of a fish.

Materials Needed:

• Pencil for each student
• Aquademics™ Aquarium Basics Worksheet #5 on fish parts (one per student)

Activity:

Ask students to think about the functions of different parts of their own bodies.   Allow them to answer questions such as:

• What body parts do I use to see, hear, taste, touch and smell?
• What body parts do I use to move around?
• How do I move backward? (Let students demonstrate)
• How do I move side to side? (Let students demonstrate)

Sketch the outline of a tropical fish on the board and, using the informational material in All About Fish, point out the basic parts of the fish and explain the purpose for each part as simply as possible.  Encourage students to compare the fish's body parts and purposes to their own.

After discussion and answering all questions, distribute Aquademics™ Aquarium Basics Worksheet #5 and give students several minutes to identify the parts of a fish and to briefly describe the function of each part. (Students may work in pairs or groups if the teacher feels this would be helpful.)

Go over the correct answers.  (An answer sheet is provided).

Result:

Students will watch the fish in their aquarium with greater appreciation for the efficiency and adaptability of the fish's body to its underwater world.