Purpose : to determine if temperature affects the movement of a fish’s operculum and mouth.
Things Required:
Aquarium with goldfish (or other small fish)
Large-mouthed jar
Fish net
Thermometer
Large bowl
Ice
Directions:
Fill the large-mouthed jar with water from the aquarium. Use the net to transfer a fish to the jar.
Allow the fish 30 minutes to adjust to its new environment. Count and record the number of times the fish opens and closes its mouth and operculum.
Place the jar in the bowl. Fill the bowl one-half full with ice and then add enough water to fill the bowl. Do not add anything to the jar containing the fish.
Wait until the temperature in the jar reads 10 degrees Celsius and again count the number of times the fish opens and closes its mouth and operculum in one minute.
This Is What Happens:
There is more movement when the water temperature was warmer.
Science Behind It:
Animals conserve energy when in a cold environment. Their bodies lose heat thus losing energy when the temperature around them is cold. The body movements slow down to conserve energy.
