Some fish contain proteins that act like antifreeze in order for them to live in the frigid waters of Antarctica! High schoolers determine how much antifreeze a fish needs to lower its body temp to -2.5 degrees. Teachers act as a facilitator while lab groups determine their procedure, conduct their experiments, and determine their conclusions. 

Concepts

fish, antarctica, animal adaptations

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Read the background information as a class or independently for homework before the lesson

Classroom Considerations

• Lab is set up so learners determine what to test and how (to a certain extent) and teacher is the facilitator; teachers can tweak this and give more specific directions as needed for classes
• Antifreeze and rock salt are two of the five needed materials, and you can find the rest in your science classroom

Pros

• Activity includes great extensions for higher level students
• You can find a simple handout for your class at the end of the lab

Cons

• None

Common Core

RST.9-10.3