Teachers' TVlesson plan
Title
Salmon homecoming project
Author
Marian Thomas, science co-ordinator TonyrefailPrimary School
Associated Teachers’ TV programme
Inspirations: Something Fishy in the Classroom
Description
Raising salmon from eggs to adults
Note to teachers
This lesson plan was not created by Teachers' TV but the author has allowed us to publish it here to be used for educational purposes
Salmon homecoming project
- Talk given by members of the Fisheries Agency as eggs and hatchery are delivered. Question and answer session with the children.
- Follow up discussion between teacher and children when a rota for the care of the eggs is set up and a list of responsibilities discussed.
- Visit to the Hatchery unit at Cynrig Fisheries Unit. Tour of the area with talk given by Roger and Chris. Question and answer session with children. Bagging of our fry in readiness for release.
- Salmon fry to be released into the river at Llantrisant.
Classroom-based work
Research using books and the internet to learn more about the life cycle of a salmon. Make a life cycle diagram to use in our display. Make a PowerPoint presentation.
Try to find out about the journey a salmon makes across the Atlantic. Plot this on a map.
Keep a group diary about the care needed to look after the eggs until they hatch.
Find out about other similar projects that may be taking place elsewhere in the UK or further afield. Consider the feasibility of contacting other people involved in such projects.
Use the photographs taken at every stage to compile a scrapbook of the project.
Design and make a large information display board to enable all other pupils to gain from your knowledge.
Evaluate the project. Consider any possible changes if the project is to be repeated. Analyse the learning that has taken place.
After the visit
Take a look at the photographs and the pictures loaned to us by Chris from Cynrig. Draw or paint a picture based on a part of the day that was special to you, or an aspect of the life of a salmon. Remember that this work will be part of our teaching wall and must be clear and your best work.
Resources
Paints
Paper
Sketching pencils
Pictures / photographs
Write an account of the visit to Cynrig.
Think about the following things:
When did we go?
Why did we go?
What did we do there?
What did we see there?
What did we learn?
Remember, to make this interesting you shouldn't just answer these questions, but include detail about what the visit meant to you. Would you recommend the trip to others? If so, why? This work will be included in our scrapbook.
Make a booklet about how to take care of salmon eggs. Think about the equipment you used, the daily duties you must undertake and the importance of keeping a regular record of what you've done. You can include photographs, drawings, diagrams, copies of any record sheets you used and anything else you think someone else might find useful. Make an attractive front cover for the booklet. This will be used next year to assist the pupils involved in this project.
Resources
Photocopies of the rota sheet
Photographs (some on floppy disc)
Copies of the information sheet given to us by Chris Rees
Benefits of the project
This visit is a real highlight for the children. They have been excited to learn what has happened to their eggs since they hatched and now they can see that they have been well cared for at the hatchery. The tour allows the children to develop a much broader understanding of the work of the Environmental Agency and Fisheries Department but also to appreciate that their actions can have a real impact on their environment. It's a great experience for us all to discover what "real" scientists actually do. As a teacher, I know there is nothing to beta the hands-on approach to engage and enthuses pupils and going to Cynrig is an opportunity not to be missed.
The release of the fry into a local river is the culmination of the hard work done by the pupils. For us, this is what environmental science is all about. The children have become quite attached to the young salmon and feel a sense of responsibility to them. Now it's time to set them free in the river, it can be an emotional experience for them! The knowledge of what they have done gives them a real sense of pride.
In one project we have covered so many aspects of the National Curriculum attainment targets. Attainment Target 2 of the science curriculum requires the children to study life cycles. This project allows the pupils to cover all of the statements pertaining to this aspect in a way which has real meaning for them. But it doesn't end there. At the same time, we are covering aspects of the geography curriculum by looking at our environment. There is much talk of using the "outdoor" classroom to enhance children's learning. In participating in this project we are certainly doing so. As can be seen from the classroom based work, the children are also using their IT skills, research skills, communication and presentation skills and becoming independent learners. They have taken charge of so much of what has gone on. This responsibility has truly taught our pupils what it means to be a good citizen.
I am in no doubt that experiential learning like this is invaluable. This is the second year that we have taken part in the project and already we can see improvements in the children's understanding of life and living processes.