A healthy environment supports a variety of native species. This is especially true for Great Lakes fish. Different species of fish require specific habitats, and loss or alteration of fish habitat can lead to population declines. This lesson explains some of the characteristics of healthy fish habitat and guides students in making their own field observations and scientific predictions. It will require 3 50 minute class periods.
Objectives:
- Name three basic requirements for fish survival.
- Name several Great Lakes fish species and their habitats.
- Explain two ways human activities impact Great Lakes fish habitat and affect the survival of fish and other organisms.
- Use observations to predict which Great Lakes fish might favor particular habitat.
- Make purposeful observations of a nearby aquatic area using illustrations, photographs and narratives (See: Activity).