Radio-Tagged Northern Pike

Fish researchers with the Iowa DNR use a hovercraft to navigate the frozen backwaters of the Upper Mississippi River, collecting valuable habitat and movement data on radio-tagged northern pike.

• What kinds of waves are used in our everyday lives?

• How do the scientists utilize wave technology to monitor individual Northern Pike at a single location?
• What substance do the waves transmit through? Do you think this is important? Why/why not?
• How does each fish have their own “channel” or “code”?

Students could:

• Brainstorm uses of wave technology in general (i.e. radio waves provide us with music, etc.).
• Research how radio waves work.
• Present findings of different media that waves can move through and the importance of the media. 
• Discuss how wave technology/uses has changed over the years.
• Research how waves are used in everyday life to gather information.
• Compare and contrast other technology used to monitor fish to radio wave technology.

• Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) | Northern Pike: This website explains Northern Pike characteristics, distribution, food source, and reproduction information.
• Physics Classroom | Categories of Waves: This website includes background and animations of various wave types including transverse, longitudinal, electromagnetic, and mechanical.
• Physics Classroom | Simple Wave Simulator: This simulation allows students to investigate the nature of waves and relationships between wavelength, frequency, and speed. 
• LiveScience | What are Radio Waves?: Background on radio waves including the discovery of radio waves, bands of radio waves, and frequencies. 
• pHet Interactive Simulations | Wave on a String Simulation: This PhET Interactive Simulation helps students visualize the different components of a wave and how each component relates to the other. Check out the “for teachers” section to read about teacher tips for using the simulation.