Investigation - Clam Anatomy printable pdf download

Investigation - Clam Anatomy

Investigation #5 - Clam Anatomy

Objective:

Students will observe the inside and outside of a clam.

Materials:

fresh clams (in shell)

ruler

data sheet

tray

two bamboo skewers

clam diagrams

Procedures:

1. Teacher prepares clams ahead of time by placing in boiling water until the adductor muscles relax. (DO

NOT overcook..) Snip the adductor muscle so the clam lies open.

Teacher’s Note: Do the activity ahead of time to familiarize yourself with the clam’s anatomy before the

students participate.

2. Students work in teams of four to observe and take notes about their clams. They record their data on

the sheet provided.

Discussion:

A. What did you learn from working on a fresh clam?

B. Was it easy or difficult to locate all the body parts? Why?

C. Would you rather study a diagram to learn about a clam or investigate a real clam? Explain.

Hinge

DORSAL

Ligament

SIDE

Posterior

Adductor

Muscle Scar

Adductor

Muscle Scar

VENTRAL

Pallial Line

SIDE

(attachment

of mantle)

Drawings courtesy of BIODIDAC.

Investigation - Clam Anatomy