INTRODUCTION     The following information is based on Kindergarten to Grade 4 Science: Manitoba Curriculum Framework of Outcomes which itself is based on the Pan-Canadian's Common Framework of Science Learning Outcomes (K - 12). Each outcome includes a brief description of the outcome, teacher background information, suggestions for instruction, a list of the general learning outcomes (GLOs) covered and overall skills and attitudes (cluster 0 outcomes) addressed in the outcome. Each outcome also contains a page number reference to the Manitoba Education and Youth document entitled "Kindergarten to Grade 4 Science: A Foundation for Implementation" (1999). Also, where appropriate, worksheets, activities and examples have been included.     To download these activities and/or worksheets (A=Activity... W=Worksheet...), right click on the corresponding colour button(s) for each learning outcome. Select "Save Target As" to save the exercises to your computer as Adobe PDF files. To view these files, open Adobe Acrobat Reader and open the PDF files. To download a free copy of the reader, click here.

There are many characteristics that make a fish a fish. One of the most important characteristics is that they live in water and they are cold-blooded, unlike many animals that live on land.     There are also many physical characteristics specific to fish. For example, fish have gills, scales, fins, and some fish have barbels and spines too. Certain physical characteristics may depend on the specific species of fish. To learn more about fish characteristics, refer to Teacher Background Information in "My Fish Booklet" and "Similarities and Differences."

After students have completed the various fish activities and worksheets found below, they can compile everything they have learned into their very own fish booklets! They can colour and personalize them too!     After brainstorming and listing the characteristics of fish, students will examine the similarities and differences between catfish and walleye. They will also make further comparisons by completing a Venn diagram.

Fish, as animals, have many characteristics that are similar to those of humans and other animals. For example, just like people, fish move, breathe, have sensory organs, skeletons, and skin. Conversely, fish are different from humans and other mammals in that they live in water, are cold-blooded, have fins rather than limbs, and they lay eggs.     The anatomy and physiology of fish is specific and complex. For detailed information on fish biology, refer to Teacher Background Information in "How am I like a fish?"

Students will list and describe all the ways that they can move. They will compare their movements to a fish's movements. They will then complete a worksheet that will help them discover ways in which they are like fish!

The environment in which an animal lives is called habitat. All animals require food, water, shelter, and space to live. It is important that an animal's habitat helps it meet all of these requirements. Fish, whether in nature or in an aquarium, also have these needs.     When raising a pet fish in an aquarium, some of the things that are necessary to maintain a healthy habitat would be clean water, food, adequate space, rocks, plants, an air pump to oxygenate the water, and light. It is also important that the fish is given appropriate care and respect, as is necessary for all living things. For more information, refer to the Teacher Background Information provided in "Can You Take Care of Us?"

Students will be given the opportunity to think about and discuss the needs of all living things. They will then look specifically at the needs of fish. If your classroom or school contains an aquarium, students can observe the fish in the aquarium and fill in the chart provided with things that fish need in their aquarium in order to survive. If you do not have an aquarium, use the picture provided to show a fish's needs.

All living things have basic needs in order to live. These include food, water, shelter, space, and sunlight. Some of the basic needs of fish are the same as a human's needs. For example, humans need oxygen to breathe. Fish also need oxygen to breathe. However, fish breathe oxygen through their gills. They get oxygen from the water surrounding them. People use their lungs to breathe oxygen from the air.     Another example of a common need for both humans and fish is shelter. Humans use houses and buildings for shelter. Fish find shelter in their aquatic habitats, using underwater plants and rocks for shelter and cover from predators.     For more information on the needs of fish, refer to the Teacher Background Information included in "Meeting Needs".

This activity can be used independently or as an extension of "Can You Take Care of Us?" Students will be asked to compare the needs of humans, fish, and plants using a Venn Diagram and a picture grid.

For an aquatic habitat to be suitable for sustaining fish life it must provide four main elements: clean water, shelter (e.g. rocks and plants), food (e.g. aquatic insects, plants, or other fish), and adequate space. Different species will have different habitat requirements. For example, carp, as bottom feeders, need a softer substrate (the material that makes up a lake or river bottom) so they may feed on aquatic insects and invertebrates. Goldeye tend to stay near the surface so substrate is relatively unimportant. For more information on the specific needs of various Manitoba fish species, refer to the Teacher Background Information in "Water Habitat Model".

With this fun and creative activity, students will be able to create their own "underwater habitat" for fish! Students can learn about and choose a Manitoba fish species. Then, using a shoebox and craft supplies, students will create a 3D diorama of a habitat for their fish. Students can mould their fish out of clay or plasticine and add rocks and twigs to the "lake bottom". Encourage them to get creative (like using raisins as aquatic bugs)!

Many things must be considered when caring for a pet fish. One of the most important steps to owning and caring for a fish is to obtain the appropriate equipment. This includes a tank, filtration system, air pump, and decorative items, among other supplies. Once all of the necessary equipment has been purchased, it is important to determine the location for the aquarium. If possible, the tank should be placed in a well-lit area away from direct sunlight that is free from drafts.     When choosing the type of fish for an aquarium, it is important to consider the type of aquarium you have (i.e. small tanks for small fish, bigger tanks for bigger fish). If purchasing more than one type of fish, it is important that these fish be compatible and capable of co-existing. Once fish have been added to the aquarium, regular feedings are necessary. Frequency of feedings will depend on the type of fish.     Aquarium maintenance is important to maintain a healthy fish. Tanks should be cleaned periodically and 10-15% of the water should be emptied and changed regularly.     For step-by-step instructions and further information about setting up and owning an aquarium, refer to "Build a Home for Fish".

What better way is there for students to learn how to care for a fish and other living things than to have their very own classroom aquarium? Students will learn respect for living things and how to care for fish by becoming responsible for their classroom pet. Students will learn what is necessary in order to have a pet fish and be given daily responsibilities. They will work together for the common goal of maintaining a healthy and happy pet. Checklists and detailed instructions are provided for first-time pet-owners.