Publisher’s Story Summary: Part of the America at Work series, Fishing explains how fish farmers in Maine raise salmon and halibut, and traces the fascinating life journey of a wild salmon in Alaska. Combining fact and fiction with colorful illustrations, this book delivers an early lesson in appreciating and protecting our natural resources.

Fishing introduces young children to the people, machines and environmental concerns involved in some of America’s leading resource-based industries.

LESSON: FISHING (America at Work Series)

Lesson Summary: 

On a visit to her Grandpa in Maine, Jessie learns all about operating a salmon fish farm. She also learns ways fish farmers are trying to farm halibut. When she returns home to Alaska, her father, a fish and wildlife officer, teaches her how wild salmon are caught. He explains remarkable way that salmon reproduce and also ways that are used to make sure they are not over-fished.

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Concept: Capital Resources

Definition: Capital Resources are goods produced and used to make other goods or services. Common examples are tools, machinery, equipment, and buildings.

Comprehension Questions

What are capital resources? 
Capital resources are man-made items such as tools, equipment, machinery, and buildings that are used to produce goods and services. 

Give examples of capital resources at your home that you would use to repair or build things.
Answers will vary. Examples: screwdriver, pliers, saw, ruler, hammer, etc.

Why are capital resources so important?
They help people produce more in less time. In other words, they help people become more productive and efficient. Without capital resources our standard of living would be much lower.

How do people and businesses get capital resources?
They must use their savings or profits to purchase capital resources. This means not using their savings and profits to purchase consumer goods. 

In the story, find examples of capital resources used to raise and catch fish. (You could have students list them as you read, or have a student helper write them on the board. There are a lot!)
Examples: boats, nets, motors, docks, hand nets, boxes, fish pens, various kinds of hatchery equipment (e.g. underwater cot), fishways, gillnetter boats, fishwheels

What capital resources did Jessie and her dad use to prepare fish cakes? (See picture on page 30.)
Pan, stove, bowl, cup, scissors, spoon, salt and pepper shakers, etc.

Other Concepts: productivity, productive resources

  Capital Resources