Lesson plan

Embryonic development

Students investigate the effect of differing temperatures on the embryonic development of a fish embryo from fertilization to birth.

Grades 9–12Biology & Life Sciences
[Download lesson (.zip)]
[All lesson plans]

Overview

Students raise Japanese Medaka fish embryos to determine how temperature affects embryonic development. The unit opens with a discussion of how temperature and other environmental changes affect animals. Each student receives a fertilized egg and observes it daily under a microscope, recording a diagram, a qualitative observation, and a quantitative observation such as heart rate once a heartbeat appears. Paired students keep one egg at room temperature and one in a colder location and compare. Students complete a log book with data-supported conclusions, graph their results, and compare them with group data.

Lesson Objectives

  • Determine the effect of differing temperatures on the embryonic development of a fish embryo. Teacher resources to aid in breeding Students will be able to successfully utilize a microscope to collect both quantitative and qualitative data on the development of their fish embryo from fertilization to birth Students will be able to graph their data and make comparisons of their data to the group data

Standards

NGSS · 2

  • HS-LS1-3Plan and conduct an investigation to provide evidence that feedback mechanisms maintain homeostasis
  • HS-LS4-5Evaluate the evidence supporting claims that changes in environmental conditions may result in (1) increases in the number of individuals of some species, (2) the emergence of new species over time, and (3) the extinction of other species

CCSS Math · 1

  • CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.S.IC.6Make inferences and justify conclusions from sample surveys, experiments, and observational studies. S.IC.6 Evaluate reports based on data.

CCSS ELA · 1

  • SL.11-12.1.aCome to discussions prepared, having read and researched material under study; explicitly draw on that preparation by referring to evidence from texts and other research on the topic or issue to stimulate a thoughtful, well-reasoned exchange of ideas.