Fish Function

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OREGON BENCHMARKS

Benchmark 1

Recognize characteristics that
are similar and different between organisms.
Describe a habitat and the organisms that live there.

Benchmark 2

Describe the relationship between characteristics of specific habitats and the organisms that live there.
Describe the function of organ systems.
Describe how adaptation helps a species survive.

USA NATIONAL SCIENCE EDUCATION CONTENT STANDARDS

Grades K-4

Form and function
Characteristics of organisms

Form and function
Diversity and adaptations of organisms

VICTORIAN LEARNING OUTCOMES

Biological Science:

3.1 Describe environmental factors that affect the survival of living things.

3.2 Identify the main structural features that work together to form systems in plants and animals.

4.2 Describe how selected systems of plants and animals function.

CONTENT OBJECTIVES

Learners will be able to do the following:

List general characteristics of fish.
Relate structure to function in external fish anatomy.

What Can We Learn About Fish in the Pond?

Lesson A - Fish Function

MATERIALS

Fish Function activity page (PDF - 384KB), one copy for each learner

PROCEDURE

Using the information presented in the “Background” section, work with learners to label the parts of the fish on the Fish Function activity page. Explain the function of each part as it is labeled. Once all the parts are labeled, ask learners to match the parts to the list at the bottom of the activity page.

Answers — Fish Function activity page

Adipose fin — E	Lateral line — H
Anal fin — G	Operculum — A
Caudal fin — I	Gill opening — F
Dorsal fin — J	Pectoral fin — D
Pelvic fin — B	Scales — C

EXTEND THE LEARNING

A Palette of Fun (4-H 713L): Plants from the Garden; order rubber fish models for printing from Nasco Arts and Crafts/Nasco
Science.

Of People and Fish, Oregon 4-H Natural Science and Cultural Discovery Program (4-H 3811L).

This curriculum is available from OSU Extension and Experiment Station Communications. For price and ordering information, see the online catalog (http://eesc.oregonstate.edu) or fax (541-737-0817), e-mail (puborders@oregonstate.edu), or phone (541-737-2513). For a supporting kit of materials, call the Oregon 4-H Education Center (541-371-7920).

This is a combined science and social science curriculum that covers the following chapters: Fish Fundamentals, Pacific Salmon Life Cycles, Native American Salmon Life Ways and Legends, The Corps of Discovery, A History of People and Fish, Fishing Tools and Techniques, and Salmon for the Future.

Project WILD Aquatic Education Activity Guide: Fashion a Fish; Pond Succession

REFERENCE

This lesson was adapted from Of People and Fish, Oregon 4-H Natural Science and Cultural Discovery Program (4-H 3811L), “Activity 1A—Fish Function.” Oregon State University Extension Service, July 2003.