Ever wonder how fish survive in freezing cold water—especially Antarctic waters? Some fish have an adaptation that lowers the freezing point of their life fluids. Learners model these adaptations in two lab explorations. The first monitors the freezing point of water with different additives and the other examines the reaction of these solutions to ice crystals. 

Concepts

phase changes, genetic mutation, mutation, evolution, natural selection

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Additional Tags

science

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Instructional Ideas

• Have half of the class complete the first lab and the other half the second; have groups present their findings to each other

Classroom Considerations

• Requires a specific set of materials and time for set up
• Expects that pupils have knowledge of natural selection and the function of proteins on genes

Pros

• Models complicated scientific principles with easy-to-access materials
• Provides an answer key with sample student responses

Cons

• None