Water Breathers

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In this activity and/or field trip, learners investigate the water currents that aquatic animals create when they breathe, feed, and propel themselves through water. Learners trace the currents in water using diluted food coloring, and closely observe live animals' adaptations for aquatic survival. Learners also consider questions like how does pollution affect water breathers, and how does water breathers' movement affect their environment. Educators can collect live aquatic animals in advance of the activity, or learners can help collect animals as part of a field trip.

Quick Guide

Learning Time:
30 to 45 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
$10 - $20 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Experiment/Lab Activity, Field Trip
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • medicine droppers
  • small containers of diluted food coloring
  • observation trays
  • large dip nets
  • bottle of blue or green food coloring
  • 1 or 2 large buckets or dishpans to hold animals
  • 2 small nets or cups to transfer animals
  • waterproof marking pens

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Animals
    • Ecology
      • Human Impact

Informal Categories

  • Animals
  • Nature and Environment
  • Outdoor Activity

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • see color
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, The Regents of the University of California, 1979