From the Grade 7 Science IRP's:

Compare and contrast asexual and sexual reproduction in both plants and animals

Note: The Grade 7, Life Sciences area of comparing and contrasting sexual and asexual reproduction can be addressed by also doing the lesson on leeches, which reproduce asexually. This lesson will be found in the "Aquatic Trout Food" section once it is complete and a link will be put to this lesson.

Objectives:

1. The student will be able to explain the basic life cycle of a fish.
2. The student will also be able to explain the differences in spawning procedures for at least three fish.

Materials Needed:

• Computers
• Overhead projector
• Fishes Worksheet #S-3a (Life Cycle)
• Fishes Worksheet #S-3b (Spawning Comparison)

Activity:

For this Activity students will need to have access to all the information presented in the fishes section of www.kidfish.bc.ca. These pages can be printed out, photocopied and put into booklets, or students can work directly off any school or home computers that have internet access.

Hand out the "Fishes Worksheet #S-3a (Life Cycle)". Make an overhead copy for yourself in advance. Discuss each stage with the students and have them fill in their sheets as you go.

Hand out "Fishes Worksheet #S-3b (Spawning Comparison)". Mention that, with the exception of burbot, the fish have similar cycles but there are some differences (eg. spawning times, amount of eggs, location where they spawn and how they deposit their eggs, etc.). On the sheet, record these details for the fish listed. On a separate sheet of paper have the students write a short paragraph that points out some differences that they have noted. This activity can be organized as an individual, group or class wide activity depending on teacher preference.