Student Activities

Freeing the Elwha: "Getting to Know Salmonids in the Elwha River" Research Activity

Grade Level:: Middle School: Sixth Grade through Eighth Grade
Subject:: Science

Students will be introduced to the wild salmonid species of the Elwha River. After watching a power point presentation on the anadromous life styles of pacific salmonids, students will work in groups to research. Then students will compose a presentation on the lifestyle of a specific species of anadromous fish found in the Elwha River: Chinook, chum, coho, pink, sockeye, steelhead, bull trout, or Dolly Varden. Student groups will then apply their knowledge by constructing a model healthy river habitat in which their species, along with other species of salmon, can grow and thrive.

Alevin (al-uh-vuhn)A newly hatched fish in the larval stage, which remain in the redd area and feed off their yolk sac.
Anadromous- ([uh-nad-ruh-muh s)A fish that is born in freshwater, migrates to the ocean to spend its adult life, and returns to freshwater to spawn.
Fry- A juvenile fish that has absorbed its yolk sac and begins to hunt or feed on its own.
Oncorhynchus (on-kor-IN-cus) – Latin name for the genus that includes salmonids
Redd- A depression in sand or gravel where salmon deposit their eggs and then partially bury them.
Salmonids (sal-MON-ids) – salmon and the other species related to them, such as trout and whitefish.
Smolt- A juvenile fish (for salmon, the stage where they enter salt water).
Spawn - The process by which an organism produces others of its kind.