What are Fish?

Fish

• Are vertebrates
• Most are cold-blooded
• Live in water
• Have fins (to move)
• Breathe through gills 

                                                  

• Have the students brainstorm any characteristics of fishes that they already know. (See list above.) 

• Share the above list. (Older students can record this list in their science notebooks.)    

• Have students brainstorm a list of animals that fit these characteristics.  

           goldfish
           catfish 
           tuna
           trout
           bass
           sharks
           eels
           sting ray {flatfish}
           seahorse {small fish}
           etc.

• Begin a class chart with the students' list of  fish. (Add to the chart daily.) Older students can record in their science notebooks. 

• Read a book to students about fish or have older students read books individually or with a partner.

• After reading have students share any new or interesting information that they read about.

Additional Activities

• Have the kids create a fun Arts and Crafts Fish Activity.

             ~ Give older children a selection of arts and crafts materials and have
                them use their knowledge of fish and their imaginations to create
                a fish (real or imaginary) or an underwater scene.


            ~ Younger students could use stencils to create fish and underwater scenes.

• Have students observe fish in a tank at home, at school, at a pet store, or an aquarium. 

                 ~ Have students use a hand lens/magnifier if available. They should choose 1
                    particular fish to observe then draw a sketch of the fish in their science
                    notebook.

Observe how frequently the fish opens its mouth.

Observe the flaps on each side of the fish's head behind its eyes.

Observe how the flaps open and close.

Observe the placement of the fish's eyes. Are the eyes on the front or sides of its head?

How many fins does the fish have?

Does it have a tail fin?

Does the fish have scales?

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