Ocean Science Series: Basic Fish Anatomy and Physiology
Learners will explore fish anatomy in this one week course! Great for learners curious to learn more about animals, as well as homeschool and unschooling students!
Ms. Z
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(13)
What's included
4 live meetings
2 in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
Beginner Level
Learners will meet for with me live for 4 half-hour sessions to explore basic fish anatomy. Your ocean scientist in training will learn about the different body shapes of fish and how that influences their movement and habitat type, as well as how fin and tail shape contribute to swimming. Next, they will learn about the structure of fish skeletons and muscles, and how they work together to produce movement. Then they will learn about fish senses and how they maintain homeostasis in freshwater and marine environments. Finally, they will apply their knowledge with a guided dissection during the last class. The dissection is completely optional and learners can choose to dissect their own specimen, or they can follow along and watch my dissection. Learners will be provided with a basic lab manual that they can use to record notes from each session in. This is completely optional.
Learning Goals
Students will learn the basics of fish anatomy and physiology, and apply their knowledge with a guided dissection at the end of the course.
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum4 Lessons
over 1 WeekLesson 1:
Fish Body Shapes, Fins, and Tails
Learners will explore different fish body types and their advantages, and different fin and tail shapes and their functions. 30 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Fish Skeletons, Muscles, and Scale Types
Learners will explore fish skeletons, muscle structure, and different scale types. 30 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Fish Senses and Homeostasis
Learners will explore fish senses including sight, chemoreception, mechanoreception, the lateral line, and electroreception, as well as how freshwater and marine fishes maintain homeostasis. 30 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Fish Dissection
Learners will be guided through a hands on fish dissection. This is optional and learners may choose to participate at home or watch my guided dissection. 30 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
The last class of the series features a guided fish dissection. Learners can choose to purchase their own fish and perform their own dissection with me, or they can follow along and watch my dissection.
This will involve the use of a sharp knife or a scalpel, so learners that wish to perform the dissection themself will need to be comfortable and safe with this.
If learners do wish to perform their own dissection, they will also need to obtain a fish specimen prior to the last class.
Supply List
If your marine scientist wants to participate in the fish dissection at home, here is what you will need: 1. A small fish that has not been gutted or dressed. These can usually be found at a local bait shop or some butcher sections of local markets. Mackerel or small trout work well! 2. A small sharp knife or scalpel. Scalpels can be purchased on Amazon for around $7-10 dollars depending on the brand. 3. Forceps or tweezers are helpful to hold things back or manipulate tissue. These can be found at your local drug store for about $7-12 dollars depending on the brand. 4. A tray of some sort to dissect the fish on. Foil cooking trays from grocery stores work great! All of the materials are optional; your learner can follow along with my dissection during class time if they do not wish to perform the dissection themselves.
1 file available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Science from California State University, Long Beach
Bachelor's Degree in Science from California State University, Long Beach
Prior to becoming a science instructor, I was a marine biologist. My bachelor's and master's degrees both centered around marine biology and fish. I have taken multiple marine biology courses, including ichthyology, which is the study of fish. I am excited to share my passion for the ocean, as well as comparative anatomy and physiology with enthusiastic learners!Reviews
Live Group Class
$30
for 4 classes4x per week, 1 week
30 min
Completed by 4 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-17
2-8 learners per class
