Source: Splish-Splash Science in the Teacher Store

Something Fishy

Goldfish are common pets, but children know surprisingly little about them. In this activity, students make and record observations about how goldfish are adapted to a watery life.

Materials (for each group)

• clear plastic or glass quart-size container
• goldfish
• elodea plant
• journal page (PDF)

What to Do
1. Obtain the fish and plants from a pet store. The day before you plan to do this activity, fill containers with tap water and let stand for 24 hours.

2. Introduce fish and plants into the containers.

3. Split the class into groups and have them brainstorm and record questions they have about goldfish. Have students draw from memory what a goldfish looks like and make notes about how it survives in water.

4. Hold a discussion to answer some of the questions. Those that can't be answered easily should be recorded for further exploration. Have books about goldfish on hand for research.

5. Give each group a fish to observe. Draw a large outline of a goldfish on the chalkboard. Have student volunteers add different parts of the fish (eyes, fins, gills, mouth) on this outline. Label the parts.

6. Hand out a copy of the journal page (PDF) and have students observe their fish, draw a picture of it, label any parts they can identify, and answer the following questions:

• Look at your fish's eyes. How are they adapted for seeing underwater?
• Look at your fish's mouth. What happens when it opens underwater?
• Look at the fins. How do they help the fish live underwater?
• Find the fish's gills. The gills help the fish breathe by taking oxygen out of the water. What do you have that helps you breathe instead of gills?
• Can your fish hear if you make a noise? Can it see you? How could you find out?

Critical Thinking Questions
Ask students to look at the drawing of a goldfish which they made from memory. How is it different from the drawing made from observation? What are some important ways a goldfish is adapted for life underwater? Ask: If you had to live underwater, what adaptations would you need?

Literature Connection
Children will enjoy making their own fish pictures after reading The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister. They can decorate them with glitter to make them sparkle as in the book.