AQUBIO X001 - Fish ID Virtual Field Trip
Lake Erie is home to one of the world’s largest freshwater commercial fisheries. Its fish populations are the most abundant of all the Great Lakes. In a normal year more fish are harvested for human consumption from Lake Erie than the other four Great Lakes combined.
There are more than 100 different species of fish in Lake Erie that can be grouped into more than 20 families. Dichotomous keys, a classification tool consisting of a series of paired statements, use observable characteristics or features to identify organisms. In this lesson, students will learn to use a dichotomous key to identify Lake Erie fish.
Upon completion of this virtual field trip module, you will earn a contact hour certificate documenting 5 contact hours.
Delivery Options
Online Self-Paced: This course is available fully online with no scheduled class sessions or fixed due dates. You can start coursework at any time and work through it independently at your own pace, within the timeframe designated. Online modules may include readings, lecture videos, assignments, quizzes, and more.
Time to Completion
This course is estimated to take approximately 5 hours to complete (typically 1–2 class periods).
Course Completion Requirements
Participants must complete all required modules and activities to earn a contact hour certificate documenting 5 contact hours.
Technology Requirements
- Reliable Internet connection
- Use Chrome browser for Windows and MacOS (ensure both browser and OS are up to date)
What You’ll Learn
- Recognize external characteristics of fish
- Describe ways fish differ from each other in appearance
- Use a dichotomous key to identify Lake Erie fish
- Explain why Lake Erie has high levels of biological productivity and the impact on fish diversity
What You’ll Earn
- A contact hour certificate documenting 5 contact hours from The Ohio State University
Additional Information
Grade Levels: 4–8 Life Science
Alignment: Ohio’s Learning Standards and Model Science Curriculum, Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
Contact Us
For questions about enrollment, payment options, technology support, or course records, please contact our Enrollment Support team. Inquiries are typically answered within 24 business hours.
If you have questions about this course, please email Jill Bartolotta.