Bettas
Betta Fighting Fish
PURPOSE:
Students will review the scientific method.
Students will observe the behavior of a Betta Fish.
Students will design an experiment to determine "What is it about the Betta's that make them react as they do? Is it shape, color or movement?
Created by: Carrie Schultz
Brea Olinda Unified School District
RESOURCES NEEDED:
small fish container with Betta Fish - Labeled A
small fish container with Betta Fish - Labeled B
mirror
Internet access
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Betta splendens, Siamese Fighting Fish, are a member of the Labyrinth Fish Family. Like all individuals within a population, they interact with one another. In this lab, you will observe the interactions that occur between the two Betta Fish and design an experiment to determine the cause of these interactions.
Click here to review the Betta Fish anatomy.
ACTIVITIES:
Activity 1: Observation of Betta's
Observe Betta Fish A and Betta Fish B for 5 minutes.
Record observations.
Arrange the two containers side by side.
Record the behavior of each fish (looking carefully at the fins, mouth, tail and gill covers).
Let fish rest 15 minutes before beginning Activity 2.
Activity 2: Observation and Internet Search
Place mirror against the side of Betta Fish A.
Record the behavior of the fish.
Place mirror against the side of Betta Fish B.
Record the behavior of the fish.
Write a one page summary describing the Betta Fish. Below are some sites to "surf" for information.
Site #1 - Click here
Site #2 - Click here
Site #3 - Click here
Site #4 - Click here
Activity 3: Scientific Method
A scientist solves all problems by a process called the Scientific Method. In order for you to determine the causes of the interactions between the Betta Fish, you need to define the problem and perform an experiment.
To review the Scientific Method, play the movie and take the quiz. Click here to begin.
For more extensive review of the Scientific Method, click on the Science Concepts and do the lab.
Activity 4: Design and Perform Experiment
With the problem statement as; "What is it about the Betta's that make them react as they do? Is it shape, color or movement?, write a hypothesis.
Design an experiment, using the Scientific Method. Make sure the control and variable(s) are clearly defined. Include list of materials, the procedure, in the form of a flow chart (directions with pictures), and data table and have teacher check it.
Perform experiment and record the behaviors in a data table.
Answer questions.
1. Was the hypothesis correct? Why or why not?
2. Are there any hidden variables?
3. What are the sources of error?
4. What would you do differently?
Report conclusions to class.
ENRICHMENT:
Here is another example of a fresh water fish that has aggressive behaviors. Click here to get more information.
Now it is your turn to come up with another example and find information on the web. Go surfing!
Write a one page summary of your fish, comparing and contrasting it to the Betta Fish.
Adapted from "The Betta Lab" by Betty Rudd
A Few Internet Resources:
Sheppard's Science Resources
Sheppard's Useful Links
Email: schultzfamilyof3@juno.com
Created August 10, 2001
Last Revised August 16, 2001
Teacher Notes
Suggested Grade Level: 9 - 12
Grade 9 - 12: Investigation and Experimentation (1a-d)
S.C.O.R.E. Lessons Standards Search by Grade and Subject
S.C.O.R.E. Standards and Framework
California Content Standards Grades K-12
California Content Standards Grades K-12 - Science - PDF Format
BACKGROUND:
Students need a basic background in:
Scientific Method
Lab procedures
Cooperative groups
How to design an experiment
SKILLS:
Making observations
Interpreting data
Making inferences
Forming hypotheses
Making predictions
Creating data tables
Recording data
Lab report writing
Effective use of Internet resources
Computer literacy
ASSESSMENT:
Lab report
Presentations:
"White board presentations"
Power Point or Hyperstudio
Student created web page
Peer evaluation
Teacher evaluation (rubric)
ENRICHMENT:
Write a compare and contrast paper
Presentations:
Power Point or Hyperstudio
Student created web page
Use Puzzle Maker to create a Hidden Message Puzzle