Project Immersion: Anatomy: Fish or Cetacean?

Grades K-2: Anatomy Lesson: Fish or Cetacean?

Objective To teach students the differences and similarities between fish and cetaceans.

Materials Library books, magazines, photographs or slides of fish and cetaceans.

Time Frame 1/2-1 hour

Teacher Background See Basic Biology in the Background Information

Dive In! Why do fish and cetaceans look so much alike yet are so different? What do they have in common and what are the important differences?

Process Have the students go to the library or look through a selection of books and magazines with many pictures of fish and cetaceans. You can also have the students offer their own ideas of what traits fish have that cetaceans don't and vice versa if visual materials are not available.
While looking at the pictures or talking have students note some of the features of both fish and cetaceans. Encourage them to look at a variety of different materials and pictures and make notes or draw their own pictures.
When finished with the above materials, hand out student activity sheet entitled "Why Is A Whale..." Have the students look at their Venn Diagrams with the list of features. Go over the directions and read the list of body parts and characteristics with students. Explain how students will use the Venn Diagram form to complete the activity. It can be completed independently or as a whole class.

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Objective	To teach students the differences and similarities between fish and cetaceans.

Materials	Library books, magazines, photographs or slides of fish and cetaceans.

Time Frame	1/2-1 hour

Teacher Background	See Basic Biology in the Background Information

Dive In!	Why do fish and cetaceans look so much alike yet are so different? What do they have in common and what are the important differences?

Process	Have the students go to the library or look through a selection of books and magazines with many pictures of fish and cetaceans. You can also have the students offer their own ideas of what traits fish have that cetaceans don't and vice versa if visual materials are not available. While looking at the pictures or talking have students note some of the features of both fish and cetaceans. Encourage them to look at a variety of different materials and pictures and make notes or draw their own pictures. When finished with the above materials, hand out student activity sheet entitled "Why Is A Whale..." Have the students look at their Venn Diagrams with the list of features. Go over the directions and read the list of body parts and characteristics with students. Explain how students will use the Venn Diagram form to complete the activity. It can be completed independently or as a whole class.