Name MelissaCamacho
Submitted on 10/10/2005 8:57:09 PM
Topic: PS
Ramadas, Jayashree, Novemsky, Lisa (Winter 1990). The shape of Fish: A Marine Science Activity. Science Activities, v27, 21-23.
Summary
The purpose of this article was to teach students that through resistance of flow from air or water the shape of an object can determine their movement. The authors used marine science and the shape of a fish to show that something can adapt to its surroundings by their shape. To test their theory, the authors conducted two lessons for the students. The first lesson was to have the students use paper to make objects such as air planes and crumpled balls, to show that something is resisting the movement of the object in air. The students then try different shapes to see what can throw the farthest and noticed that objects that are compact and have pointed ends moved farther. The authors also provided sample questions that students might discuss on the misconceptions between weight and volume. For lesson two, the authors suggest the teachers to divide the students into groups and are given Ivory soap and a plastic knife. The idea of this lesson is to introduce the resistance of water. The authors suggest the teacher to divide the class into groups and giving each group Ivory soap, plastic knife, wire and pencils. Before the lesson, the authors have the students test other objects in water. After shaping their soap into fish they test the shapes in the water. The students observe the movements of the fish and discuss with the teacher how the shape as well as streamlining is important for fish to move.
Reaction
I thought this lesson was really good at teaching the concept that things on Earth and water are able to adapt by the shape of their body. The article provided two excellent lessons to get the idea across that shape does determine if there will be resistance in movement by their shape. I also felt that the authors provided enough questions and facts on movement and shape from the paper and fish lessons. The only thing I felt they should add into the activity is to check if the students are actually comprehending the activities. I felt that they needed to have the students at the end of lesson two write down what they learned about each lesson and how important shape of an object is for an object to adapt into their environment.