Longfellow Middle School

Students in the sixth grade at Longfellow Middle School participated in a hands-on science dissection last week, examining two iconic Great Lakes species: the sea lamprey and the yellow perch. Working with protective gloves, students explored the real anatomy of fish native to the region, bringing classroom science concepts to life through direct observation and inquiry.

The dissection provided students with a unique opportunity to connect their studies to the local ecosystem, examining specimens found in the very waterways of their own community.

Did You Know?
The sea lamprey, one of the species examined during the dissection, has a remarkable and somewhat startling reproductive cycle. During spawning season, a single female sea lamprey can lay up to approximately 70,000 eggs. After depositing her eggs, the female dies, but not before fanning them with her body to maintain oxygen flow until the very end. During last week's dissection, students were able to identify a female specimen firsthand, putting this fascinating biology into a real-world context.