Academy Curricular Exchange
Columbia Education Center
Science

TITLE:  SALMON HOMING INSTINCTS

AUTHOR:  Connie Eastburn, Mapleton, OR

GRADE LEVEL/SUBJECT:  4-8

OVERVIEW:  In the Pacific Northwest, the "miracle" of anadramous species
(salmon) returning to their home stream is often a complex concept for
students to grasp.

PURPOSE:  The purpose of this activity is to provide a "hands-on" learning
experience for students to understand and visualize how salmon return to the
streams where they were originated.

OBJECTIVES:  As a result of this activity, the student will:
  1.  Identify conditions of imprinting on native streams.
  2.  List barriers to imprinting.
  3.  Demonstrate knowledge of the process which salmon species undertake
in reaching their native stream.

RESOURCES/MATERIALS NEEDED:  3 X 5 cards. string. a variety of senses
(minimum of six), chart paper.

ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
  1.  After indepth discussion on salmon spawning practices,
patterns, and habits the students will experience how the   
salmon species uses the sense of smell to locate their native stream.
  2.  Prior to the activity prepare approximately six 3 X 5 cards with
various smells on them (i.e. cinnamon, peppermint, vanilla).  On the back
of these cards write the name of various salmon species. Place these cards
in various locations of your teaching area and label the names of the
rivers where they will reach.  
  3.  Prepare enough additional cards with the same six scents for every
student involved with the activity.  The students can punch a hole in the
cards and add string to wear around their necks.
  4.  When all is in order, direct the students to locate their native
"stream" by matching the scent on their card to one posted in the area.

TYING IT ALL TOGETHER:  Once students have reached their designated areas,
have them discuss in small groups, barriers or problems they had in arriving
at the correct destination. Students might include such things as pollution,
mining, logging, temperature of water, or interference of other smells as
having an effect on their success.  Have students record their thoughts on
chart paper and be ready to share with the other groups.

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