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The only time most American relate to squid after the animal has been sliced, breaded and fried. Squid are much more than calamari, a delicious appetizer. These cephalopods stand out from other invertebrates in many ways. Squid, octopus and cuttlefish interact with their environment, using color change for both defensive and predatory purposes. Cephalopods are able to interpret external stimuli and rapidly alter their appearance in response.

Despite displaying a level of “intelligence” reserved for mammals, Squid remain invertebrates. A cephalopod’s internal systems operate within the invertebrate level. Dissecting a squid presents an opportunity to witness an aquatic invertebrate’s body parts.

The squid dissection provides the students with an opportunity to “interact” with an invertebrate in a way much deeper than when we consume the cephalopod. Fortunately, their availability as a human food source assures access to fresh specimens. Utilizing fresh squid insures that internal organs remain colorful and easily distinguishable.

Through this dissection students will gain a deeper understanding of the external and internal body systems, while developing an appreciation for the animals beyond the plate.

> What does term cephalopods mean? > Describe the squids function in the marine ecosystem? (What does it eat? Who eats squid > Identify 5 characteristics that distinguish cephalopods from other molluscs. > Identify the number of arms. Identify the average length. > Identify the number of tentacles. Identify the average length. > Describe the physical and functional difference between arms and tentacles. > Describe the physical and functional difference between the peristomial membrane and the buccal membrane. > Describe function of the sucker and the sucker teeth. > Describe the gills physically and functionally. > Describe the physical difference between the male and female gonad. > Describe the contents found in the stomach. > Describe the function of the pen.
 * 1) Students will bring cameras their own cameras or use a a school camera to lab class on December 5, 9, and 10.
 * 2) Each team is to take pictures of their squid in various positions as they dissect it. Take one picture of the you group to use as your the opening to introduce your squid. Then you should have at least one pictures of the top, mouth, tentacles and inside.
 * 3) All pictures will be download to the server and then upload to your voice thread. Set you voice thread to be public with comments. When you finish recording you will reset your voice thread to be public with no comments.
 * 4) Attach the headset with microphone to your computer. Go to the system preferences under the apple to sound and select logic tech headset for both input and output.
 * 5) Using the analysis questions furnished by Mr. Howe you will identify each part of the squid. Don't forget to use the doodling tool to as you record your voice to point to the parts.
 * 6) Analysis Questions:
 * 1) When you are finished remember to change your voice thread to public with no comments.

Through this lab assignment you will have the opportunity to present your lab report in different and fun format. You will become Knowledgeable in the parts of the squid and also enhance your technology skills as you become familiar with one of the newest web 2.0 collaboration tools, Voice Thread.



This project designed and implemented by Jon Howe, science teacher for [|Mount Saint Joseph Academy]. Wikispace design and technical assistance furnished by Carol Siwinski, Instructional Technology Coordinator.

December, 2010