Table of contents
Background information
Many schools which are involved in the Salmonids in the Classroom Program with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game have been able to extend their studies in many ways. One extension activity that has been well received by teachers and by students is the conducting of a salmon dissection.
What follows is a series of activities, questions and responses that might be appropriate to draw from the class as a dissection progresses. The suggestions follow the order that will naturally be taken as the salmon is dissected, looking first at the external features and progressing until the fish is completely dissected.
This is a lesson in comparative physiology, so time should be taken to draw comparisons between how a fish behaves in its environment and how other animals, and people, behave in theirs. It is suggested that the topics be discussed, the appropriate anatomical part be removed, and then a review be conducted as the parts are being passed around so that everyone can see each part before the next step is taken.
