Salmon Make

the Kenai Go

‘Round

By: Kara Abel

Place-Based Unit Presentation

Unit Objectives

To explore the salmonid species through a

study of anatomy, life history, and impact

to people.

To deepen students understanding of the

fishery on the Kenai and incorporate

students in community outreach

StandardsC: Concepts of Life Science

A student should understand and be able to apply the concepts, models, theories, facts, evidence, systems, and processes of life science.

A student who meets the content standard should: Develop an understanding of how science explains changes

in life forms over time, including genetics, heredity, the process of natural selection, and biological evolution;

Develop an understanding of the structure, function, behavior, development, life cycles, and diversity of living organisms; and

Develop an understanding that all organisms are linked to each other and their physical environments through the transfer and transformation of matter and energy.

The Lessons – an overview

Lesson 1 : Salmon Anatomy & Salmon Dissection

Lesson 2: Salmon Life History & Salmon Species

Lesson 3: Salmon Habitat & Watershed Ecology

Lesson 4: Salmon and Our Community

Lesson 5: Preparing Presentations for Community

Lesson 1 – Salmon Dissection

Hands – on

opportunity to

explore salmon

anatomy

Purpose is to

identify external &

internal structure

form & function

Lesson Objective

After students complete a hands on

dissection in pairs they will be able to

Identify anatomy of a salmon

Describe the function of key structures and

features

To 80% accuracy.

The Details

2 day lesson

Lecture

Dissection Lab – student led

Utilizing ADF&G Dissection Packet – great

resource!

Laboratory practical at end of unit

Images from

ADF&G

Dissection

packet

Lesson 2 – Life HistoryPurpose is to

introduce salmon

species and discuss

salmon life cycle.

Also discuss

anadromous life style

“I Will Survive” – Salmon Life Cycle

Lesson Objective

After students participate in a mini lecture

and discussion about salmonid species and

life history they will be able to

Identify the five species of Pacific salmonids

Identify the stages of a salmon’s life cycle

Correctly define anadromous and

understand the physiological adaptations

required for this life style

To 100% accuracy.

The Details

Introduce with parody video

Discuss life cycle stages

Watch Salmon Life Cycle video

Discuss salmon species and identification

Assessment: iClicker quiz (Smart response)

Lesson 3 – The Watershed

Habitat and

watershed ecology

Utilizing ADF&G

power point

Lesson Objective

After students complete the power point lesson they will be able to

Define a watershed

Discuss the seasonal changes in a watershed and how they impact salmon

Identify how each different species utilizes the watershed

Identify healthy and unhealthy characteristics of a watershed

To 75% accuracy.

The Details

Alaska Department of Fish & Game power

point presentation

Expanding upon habitat utilization by salmon

species

Healthy vs. unhealthy watersheds

Kenai Watershed

Assessment: end of unit test, hand in

notes, presentations

Screenshots

from ADF&G

power point

Lesson 4 – Kenai River Salmon Salmon fishery on

the Kenai

ADF&G counts on

the Kenai

Areas of concern

on the Kenai

concerning the fish

Lesson Objective

After students listen to the guest lecture and discussion of the Kenai River fisheries they will be able to

Correctly identify methods used to measure fish abundance

Explain how the counts are used to impact management decisions

Identify the types of fish users represented on the Kenai

To 80% accuracy.

The Details

Guest lecture from ADF&G about sonar

and measuring fish abundance

Viewing the sonar equipment

Discussion of types of fishing on the Kenai

Concerns facing the Kenai River fishery

Assessment: end of unit exam, notes

handed in

Images from

ADF&G

Sonar Project

Lesson 5 – Kenai River Festival or

Nikiski Days or Classroom Visit

Purpose of this

lesson is to take

what students

have learned and

turn it into a

community

outreach project

Connect with one

of the mentioned

community places

to collaborate with

and have high

school student

teach the

dissection lesson

Lesson Objective

After students participate in the discussion

they will be able to

Design an age-appropriate demonstration of a salmon dissection

To 100% accuracy.

The Details

3 days to work on presentation

Time will be spent emphasizing what to

include and what not to include

Students will present at a given

community location

Conclusion

End of unit test (oh boy!)

Students participating in community

A better and deeper understanding of

one of their community’s essential

resources