Subject

Art, Culture, life science

 

Objective

The objective of this lesson is to let the students have a hands on experience with a fish, to learn its anatomy, and to learn about some adaptations that help it survive. The students will also learn a little about the Japanese art of Gyotaku.

 

Materials

• Butcher paper (at least 11” x 18” for each student)
• Whole Tilapia from the super market
• T pins
• Exacto knife
• Sturdy cardboard box
• Paints
• A paint brush for each paint color
• Paper plates
• Plenty of paper towels
• Salmon Activity Packet

 

Background

Gyotaku, or fish printing, originated in Japan in the early 1800’s. It started as a way Japanese fisherman and nobles could keep records of their catches (remember, cameras were not widely used until the 20^th century) and to learn about fish biology. This technique has developed into a beautiful art form, and is practiced widely by artists today.

Students will also learn about fish anatomy. While not all fish have the same combination of fins there are many commonalities.

Dorsal Fin: Provides steering, control and balance

Adipose Fin: There is no known use; this fin is often clipped off of hatchery fish to distinguish hatchery fish from wild fish.

Pectoral Fins: aids in stabilization, maneuvering, and braking

Pelvic Fins: Aids in stabilization, maneuvering, and braking

Anal Fin: provides balance

Caudal Fin: Also known as the tail fin, it provides the main source of propulsion. Females use their caudal fin to dig their redds.

 

Procedure

1. Defrost the Tilapia, once it is defrosted wipe it down with paper towels to make it as dry as possible, and put a few paper towels in the abdomen.
2. Prepare the cardboard box by cutting an oval hole about 4” long and 2” tall for the fish to rest in.
3. Prepare the fish by placing it on the cardboard, and using the T-pins to spread out all the fins. Be sure they are secure; it will make cleaning much easier. You will also need to use the exacto knife to remove the eye that is facing outward.
4. Present the Idea of Gyotaku to the students and use the fish to go through some fish anatomy and adaptations.
5. Hand out the Salmon Activity Packet to the students as an activity to do while waiting for their turn to paint.
6. For each student let them paint the fish (from nose to tail to help preserve the scales) with a thin coat of paint to allow texture to show. They can use as many colors and be as creative as possible.
7. Once they are done help them place their piece of butcher paper on top of the fish and hold it still as they press each part of the fish and get a print of all the fins. Then slowly pull off the paper.
8. Use paper towels to wipe off the paint as best you can before allowing the next student to paint and do their print.