CU 6.04Parts of a Fish
The child names the external parts of a fish on a real fish or photograph and on the fish puzzle, then matches three-part cards.
Presentation
Search videos (opens YouTube in a new tab)- 1
Watch the class fish together. Point to the fins moving and the gill covers opening and closing: 'The fish breathes with its gills.'
- 2
Bring the fish puzzle. Lift out the tail fin, trace it, and name it.
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Lift out and name the dorsal fin on the back and a pectoral fin behind the gills.
- 4
Give a three-period lesson on these three parts.
- 5
On later days, name the head, eye, body, mouth, gill cover, pelvic fin, anal fin, and scales, three at a time.
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Invite the child to work the puzzle, naming each piece.
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Match the picture cards, then the label cards, and check with the control cards.
What catches the child’s eye
- The gill covers opening and closing as the class fish breathes
- Small fins steering while the tail fin pushes the fish forward
Extensions, easiest to hardest
- Trace the puzzle pieces, color them, and label a fish booklet
- Watch the class fish and see which fins it uses to turn and which pushes it forward
- Read definition cards and match them to the parts
- Compare a photograph of an ocean fish with a trout from a Utah lake or river
Control of error
Each puzzle piece fits only in its own space; control cards show each part with its label.
Ready to move on when the child…
- Names at least six parts on the puzzle and on a real fish or photograph
- Works the fish puzzle without help
- Matches the three-part cards with the control
Guide note
Puzzle sets differ; teach the parts your puzzle shows. Scientists now divide fish into several classes (such as bony fish and sharks and rays), but the single group 'fish' is right for this age. Whales and dolphins live in water but are mammals, not fish.