How to Use this Video Investigation Tool

The main goal of this video investigation resource is to facilitate inquiry-based learning through activities that require the scientific skills of observation, data collection, comparison, and analysis. The video clips that accompany the descriptions of each group of fish are provided to allow students the opportunity to observe the organisms and record descriptions to better recognize them. By allowing students to analyze the fish on their own, they will develop skills of observation and visual data collection. Educators may wish to have students develop a data table listing the different characteristics important in identifying the various fish groups. The Assessment videos provide students the opportunity to use their data table to determine the group in which the fish belong. The goal behind focusing the web site on inquiry-based learning is to facilitate the students in discovering science By allowing them hands-on access to the activities, they develop scientific skills and interest in a more personal way and they will better understand what it is to participate in science.
Most of the clips are less than 450 kb. Three are between 1MB and 2.4MB. They require Flash to be viewed. If your computer does not have Flash, click HERE.

Throughout the video investigation tool you will find still images that link to video clips. To view a video clip, simply click on a still images, and allow ample time for the file to download. If you are going to use the Assessment, please do so after viewing the entire site. To receive the Assessment’s answer key, which includes the attributes of each video clip, please send an e-mail request to the address found on the assessment page. We welcome your comments and feedback at oceanica@cofc.edu.

While using this video investigation tool the student is encouraged to track their discoveries by setting up a data table. The table for this site should include the three main categories: residents, common visitors, and uncommon visitors. Within each of the three categories the students should list the individual species. From here it is the students’ responsibility to record the observations they feel are important. This open-ended format helps to foster a more creative scientific learning method for the student.