Title: Fish Discovery
Subject Area: Science
Grade Level: 1st Grade
By: Jannel Scheuerman
Lesson Summary: After discussing the differences between saltwater and freshwater fish,
students will collaborate with one another to look through books and pick two fish that they will
have to draw, and also pick two freshwater fish that will be placed in our classroom aquarium.
Anticipatory Set:
Teacher will ask:
 What is the difference between a saltwater fish and a fresh water fish?
Answer: Saltwater fish live in the ocean, and freshwater fish do not.

Why is it important to know the differences between these two kinds of fish?
Answer: It is important to know the differences because each fish requires different
things in order to survive.

How might this knowledge help you in the future?
Answer: It will help me in the future because I will be able to identify and take care of
either type of fish.
Instructional Objectives:
 By the end of the lesson, students will be able to identify the differences between
saltwater and freshwater fish with 100% accuracy.
Materials Needed:
 Videos on both Saltwater and Freshwater Fish
 Books on Saltwater and Freshwater Fish
 Pencil – One per student
 Paper – One piece per student
 Coloring Utensils – One set per group
Time Required: Fifty Minutes
~Decisions~
Group Size: 5 groups of 3
Assignment to Groups: Numbered, the teacher will count off by five’s and students with the
same numbers will create a group.
Roles:

Fish Discovery Presenter – reads a book to their group, and also shows pictures to each
group member.

Fish Discovery Drawer – draws a picture of two fish that were interesting to the group.

Fish Discovery Time Manager – manages how much time the group has to complete their
project.
~The Lesson~
Instructional Input:
Ask students a few questions about saltwater and freshwater fish. Have them tell you all that they
know about these types of fish.
Teacher will ask:

What are some of the differences between saltwater and freshwater fish?
Answer: Saltwater fish live in the ocean and freshwater fish do not.

How do the sizes of each fish differ?
Answer: Salt water fish might be bigger because their environment is biggers.

What are some of the similarities between these fish?
Answer: Both types of fish breathe with gills, and live in water.
Show students the following videos on saltwater and freshwater fish:

Ocean Fish - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5nwDajAwJk

Fresh Water Aquarium - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23DBSTmO9t4&feature=channel
Tell the students that these are examples of what freshwater and saltwater fish look like, and also
where freshwater and saltwater fish live. Explain that not all fish are alike, and each requires
different conditions in order to survive. Explain that each team (group) is to look at two different
books about each type of fish, and create a drawing of two fish that they found most interesting,
and choose two other freshwater fish that they would like to add to our classroom aquarium.
When all groups are finished, they will show their drawing of these fish to the class for everyone
to see. All pictures from each group will be displayed around the classroom.
Positive Interdependence:

The team is to select and draw a picture of two fish of their choosing from books they
have read about freshwater and saltwater fish.
Individual Accountability:

Each member will be assigned a job in the group (Explain and assign the roles for each).
Criteria for Success:

The group is successful when the drawing is complete and the freshwater fish have been
chosen.
Expected Behaviors:

I expect each student to stay with their assigned group, complete their task, and ask team
members questions if there is any confusion on what needs to be done.
~Monitoring and Processing~
Monitoring:

While the teams work, walk around and observe each student and their understanding of
the differences between saltwater and freshwater fish. Look also for good cooperative
skills, time management skills, and overall team member involvement.
Intervening:

Give help to students where you think it is necessary.
Ending:

Bring the class back together and have each group share their drawing with the class. Ash
students why they chose to draw the fish they did, and why they chose the freshwater fish
they did.
Processing:

Have students tell about each team member, and what they did to help the group
complete their assignment. Reiterate or add your own observations of what went on
during the lesson. Then, ask them what changes could be made to help the group work
even better next time.
Lesson Modifications:
Teacher will address students’ difference’s as follows:

Visual-Spatial – for these learners I would allow them to be the drawer in the group, or
allow them to watch the videos shown another time if needed.

Bodily-kinesthetic learners – for these learners I would bring in an actual fish for them to
see and touch. I also would allow them to add different items to their drawings like
scales.

Musical Learners – for these learners I would play a song about fish or ocean life while
they are working on their projects.

Interpersonal Learners – for these learners I would make sure to let them know that I am
there to help them if they have any questions.

Intrapersonal Learners – for these learners I would allow them to figure things out on
their own, and let them work alone if requested.

Linguistic Learners – for these learned I would make sure to allow them to be the reader
and shower of pictures to their group.

Logical-mathematical Learners – for these learners I would challenge them to think
about why saltwater fish and freshwater fish could not survive in each other’s
environments. I would allow them to connect the similarities between the two types of
fish discussed in the lesson.