Introduction to Fishy Feeding Frenzy lab.

1. Fishy Feeding Frenzy Lab “Only the fiercest feeder will survive!” by Mrs. V

2. Lab Introduction In order to better understand the characteristics the different species of fish have, we will spend the period simulating he feeding competition they endure by conducting an experiment.

3. Why do we conduct experiments?

4. We conduct experiments to… Find out something that we don’t know about the world around us. Test our hypothesis. Everything we know about the world today was a result of a question someone had!

5. Our Experiment Our experiment today will test our hypothesis for accuracy. We will determine which species is really the fiercest feeder and which species is the weakest link of the bunch.

6. Our Experiment We will imagine that each of the species are living in an environment together. Fish that live together must compete with one another for food to stay alive. They must use the bodies that they have effectively to survive in their environment. This is called adaptation.

7. Lab Set Up – Prepare your table Each member needs 1 cup to serve as your “mouth” and 1 bag to serve as your “stomach”. Whales need 1 strainer, swordfish need 1 toothpick, catfish need 1 straw, piranhas need 1 clothespin, and goatfish need 1 set of chopsticks. Each member needs a data sheet and writing utensil. Place ALL extra materials on a nearby table to clear your feeding space. Wait quietly for further instructions.

8. Time to Hypothesize! Record your hypothesis for questions #1 and #2 on the front of your data sheet. Wait quietly for further instructions.

9. Things to remember… We want our experiment to be as accurate as possible. Start each round with your utensil behind your back. Wait silently for the signal to start – “feeding” begins when you hear the music. Do not use human hands, cups, paper or anything else to collect food. Not following directions will be very obvious when comparing data.

10. You must use your feeding type to the best of your ability and correctly to simulate adaptation that species must do in the wild to survive. You can not steal food from other’s mouths or stomachs. Things to remember…

11. Things to remember… Do not eat any of the food from your mouth or stomach until the end of the experiment for accurate data. Feeding will continue until music stops. Quickly take your seat, put utensils down, and leave leftovers alone. Count the food you collected, place it into your stomach, and record your group’s data on your data sheet.

12. Things to remember… If your group has more than five people, there will be two of one species in your environment. You must average these numbers together (add them together & divide by 2). Only count whole pieces of food.

13. Things to remember… Be considerate and stay on task. Remember that this is an experiment. Those that can’t follow the guidelines will lose their food. Once you have completed the experiment and calculated totals, analyze and reflect upon your results by answering the questions on the back of the data sheet.

14. Things to remember… Help your group clean up your area of any messes. Bags of food should be put away before changing classes and should stay away until lunch time or dismissal. Have fun learning! 

15. Any questions? Ready… set… go fish!