In this activity children assess what effect temperature has on goldfish. Children use a thermometer and place ice in a receptacle containing goldfish. The children should record the temperature and the effect on the behavior of the goldfish by adding ice, little by little. For instance, the children can observe how many breaths the goldfish takes in a minute. Start at room temperature and take it down gradually to 5 to 9 degrees. Then add a little hot water, record the temperature and observe the behavior and respiration of the goldfish.Take the temperature up gradually to 22 to 25 degrees. Both the high and low temperatures are safe for the goldfish. As a class, discuss the results. Talk about the optimum temperature for a goldfish and what types of temperature the fish can survive in. Discuss the temperatures in goldfish bowls, tanks, an aquarium and a pond. Talk about the differences, if any, between outside and inside environments.
Goldfish living outdoors prefer to swim in well-vegetated ponds and lakes. Have children research the types of vegetation in these bodies of water. The children should investigate what types of plant/algae are best for goldfish.The kids should research how the vegetation affects the goldfish and what happens to goldfish in environments without suitable vegetation. The children should present their findings in groups to the class.
Have kids research the natural habitat of a goldfish in a pond or lake. Once they have some knowledge about the types of fish that live happily with goldfish in ponds, and vegetation, the children can paint a picture or make a collage. A good starting point is Paul Klee's "Goldfish" painting.The children can create their own versions of this. Other craft projects including making diorama to show the natural habitat of a goldfish.
Novels and short stories can build knowledge about goldfish habitat. For instance, young children can learn about cleaning a goldfish bowl and protecting the fish from household animals in Kelly Bennett's "Not Norman: A Goldfish Story." Older children can conduct research online and in reference books. They then write poems and short stories about goldfish and their habitat, based on their studies.
The best way to get children to understand the habitat of goldfish is to have some fish in a tank in the classroom. In this way, children can observe what the goldfish need on a daily basis. The kids also get an opportunity to see the type and amount of water the goldfish need, the size of the tank and the sort of food that the fish eat. If having goldfish in the classroom is not possible, a visit to a nearby aquarium will also help children understand their habitat.