Description:
In this lesson, students will discuss the types of fish found locally and the techniques used for catching them. Students then use this information to select one fresh water fish to study further, using both print and non-print resources. This lesson is designed to increase student interest through the study of a relevant issue (local fish), and by allowing student choice in the selection of a specific fish to research.
Goals & Objectives:
LIBRARY MEDIA SKILLS OBJECTIVES
The student will locate the name of specific fish in a reference source and identify its habitat and food source.
CURRICULUM OBJECTIVES:
This activity may be used as part of a science unit on animal species or a physical education session on selecting sports and recreational activities.
MOTIVATIONAL OBJECTIVES:
The student will:
-become interested in the research process.
-understand the importance of information skills.
-experience increased confidence in research ability.
-achieve satisfaction in research accomplishments.
Materials & Sources:
Resource List
Fish List
Worksheet
| Credits: |
School Library Media Activities Monthly
Adapted for SOS by Kori Gerbig
School of Information Studies
Syracuse University
|
| Sources: |
School Library Media Activities Monthly
June 1999; 15:10; 21-24
http://www.schoollibrarymedia.com
http://www.crinkles.com |
Procedures:
INSTRUCTIONAL ROLES:
-Either the library media specialist or teacher may introduce and/or complete this activity. Library research on individual fish may be reviewed by the library media specialist.
ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES FOR COMPLETION:
-Many children go fishing with family during the summer, so they will be familiar with some of the species that are caught nearby. In this activity, allow students to share what they know about local fishing before they begin their research.
-Introduce the activity with cut-outs or transparencies that show freshwater fish species. If a projector for the computer is available, it may be used for illustrations from Internet sites. Begin a discussion about the following:
*What kinds of fish are caught in your area?
*What kinds of fish live in different areas of the United States?
*What kinds of freshwater fish do we eat?
*How do we catch fish?
-The main methods of fishing (angling or sport fishing) include trolling, casting, and still fishing. Sometimes fishing includes use of a net, harpoon, spear, or bow and arrow. Students may work in small groups to find definitions of the terms that are not understood. Students may role play how a fisherman moves in each method of fishing. Ask students how fish are caught. Discuss the equipment that is often used – fishing poles, line, reel, lure, bait, weights, sinkers, spoons, spinners, and bobbers or floats. Explain that students will research some of the freshwater fish that lie in different regions of the United States. Provide copy of the worksheet for initial data collection.
-The library media specialist may review how to use indexes and tables of contents in specific books or indexes of print encyclopedias. For those students working on automated encyclopedias, suggest key words that might be tried for the best information. Identify Internet sites that may be useful for this particular activity.
-Students may complete their worksheets and use them during a discussion to explain what they have learned.
FOLLOW-UP:
-Students may make fishing maps of the United States or invite a fisherman to talk to the class about how to catch fish in the area. Students may also discuss what is done with fish after they are caught. For example, are they eaten? Or thrown back?
Assessment:
-The student will locate and record correct information for each part of the worksheet. The student will use at least one reference source to answer the questions and to find information about a selected fish.
Sources:
School Library Media Activities Monthly
June 1999; 15:10; 21-24
http://www.schoollibrarymedia.com
http://www.crinkles.com
