Field Trip Flashback: Carkeek Park Salmon Search

I FINALLY got these pictures off of my camera and read to post!  Earlier this year all of the 4th graders went to Carkeek Park for our first trip there to have the salmon search - basically we went and learned more about the parts of a salmon, learned what salmon need to be healthy, and saw some salmon at the end of their life cycle in the stream through Carkeek. This was such a fun field trip and the kids were really interested in the salmon dissection, which was a new feature this year!  Students had two feelings about the dissection: either excitement or disgust, which made for a very interesting time at the dissection station!  :)

First we identified and labeled parts of a salmon together...

Then, it was time for the salmon to come out!  The salmon is from the Issaquah hatchery where we visited earlier this year!

First we saw the salmon gills...

And then we opened the salmon up to see the insides!

The boys in the group were REALLY into the dissection.... the girls on the other hand.... not so much.  

Then we all got to use popsicle sticks and gently poke at the parts of a salmon to learn more.

These were some salmon in the stream near the end of their life cycle.

Lastly, we played a game where we simulated being salmon and running through our life cycle.  As a salmon, only about 2% survive through adulthood in order to spawn - it's a tough life for a salmon!  

Write SALMON on your planner for Thursday to get bonus points for your group.  Bonus points started over so let's get those table points up!  

Also, as a reminder, students came home with book orders today!  Book order books make great holiday gifts.  If you're interested in ordering books for holiday gifts, please let me know and I can arrange a discrete pick up for you to get the books home and still have those surprise faces over the winter break.  Book orders are due Tuesday, December 10th by 4 pm.  PLUS, this month when you spend $10 you get a free book of up to $5 value!  The coupon code is attached to the book order forms that came home Wednesday.  Happy ordering!