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Map Fish Zones

Activity

What Makes a Good Fish Habitat?

Stand near a creek, pond, or any body of water. Watch how the water moves—where it’s fast, slow, shallow, deep, shaded, or sunny. Based on these patterns, make a prediction: where would fish rest, hide, or feed? Sketch the area and mark possible “fish zones.” Then, try returning at different times or seasons to see if anything changes.

Science Seed

Fish do not just live randomly in water – they choose spots that offer the right temperature, oxygen, food, and shelter. Moving water brings oxygen and nutrients, while still areas might offer rest or protection. Shaded water is cooler, which matters in hot months. Overhanging trees, rocks, and roots provide places to hide from predators. This kind of habitat mapping is used by fisheries biologists and conservation scientists to monitor fish populations, especially when assessing human impacts like urban runoff or drought.

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earn Badges

Badges can be earned through hands-on experiences within each of the 16 branches of science, or “Science Slices.” You can earn a badge in each branch of science by doing four activities in these categories. We also encourage participants to keep a Nature Journal to record their memories, and to express themselves creatively through writing or drawing after each activity. We recommend that each child (and parent if they’d like) write or draw in a journal after each activity, with expectations of your children that match their age (the goal is self-expression, not perfection).

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join Families in Nature

It is our vision to inspire all families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists. Becoming a member of Families in Nature will give your family the opportunity to have adventures in nature, experience field science, develop as youth conservation leaders, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Memberships are free for everyone.

Who are we?

Families in Nature works to create opportunities for nature connection with the purpose of sparking a deep love and desire to protect, conserve and restore the environment. Our mission is to connect children and their families to nature and to each other through time spent learning, playing, and volunteering outdoors. It is our vision to inspire ALL families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists.