Sharks

How It Works:  This unit incorporates science, reading, writing, and technology into a lively exploration of sharks and their place in our shared water habitat. Hands-on activities demonstrate how sensitive the sense of smell is in humans and sharks. Students also create a food chain to illustrate the sharks' top position as predator. Writing is infused into this unit by student creations of poems and stories. Technology is integrated into the curriculum by Internet investigation, publishing of stories and poems on-line, visiting shark and ocean web sites to gather and organize shark data, and the use of "ask an expert" web sites. Students then take a final Shark Quiz to discover how much they have learned.

Standards: 

• Sunshine State Standards are as follows: Reading The student uses the reading process effectively. The student constructs meaning from a wide range of texts.
• Writing The student uses the writing process effectively. The student writes to communicate ideas and information.
• Science The student understands the competitive, interdependent, cyclic nature of living things in the environment. The student uses the scientific processes and habits of mind to solve problems.
• Technology Standards Students are proficient in the use of technology. Students use technology tools to enhance learning, increase productivity, and promote creativity. Students use telecommunications to collaborate, publish, and interact with peers, experts, and other audiences.

Estimated Class Periods To Complete:  10 or more

Software Materials Used:  The project is designed for a classroom setting with one or more computers. Internet connection, printers, shark books from the classroom library, and resources from the community are necessary for successful completion of this project. KidPix can be used to create a slide show of information collected throughout this unit. Maps and globes, overhead projector and a school media center are also recommended.

Keywords:  sharks, predator, food chains, ocean habitat, sense of smell, adaptations

Students:  Thirty-Two first and second grade gifted students participated in daily science, language arts, and technology sessions for nine weeks. This project can be adapted for other grades and academic levels and can be modified for both large and small groups.

Overall:  The project improves reading, writing, and science skills as well as word processing and research abilities using classroom resources and the Internet. As students participate in science, language arts, and technology activities, their enthusiasm and overall attitude towards learning is increased.

Tips:  Information on sharks and their habitats can be located in the school media center and public library. No-cost videos and films may also be available through the District media division or the public library. Speakers from local science and university departments can be contacted for school site visits and if a local aquarium or seaquarium is available the students can view sharks first-hand by going on a field trip.

About the Teacher: Carol Langford, a professional educator for over 20 years, at all levels from elementary through graduate school, has received numerous awards for her teaching abilities. She has served as a peer mentor, lead teacher, and school leader for most of her teaching career. Her accomplishments include developing and writing curriculum, publishing primary science units over the Internet, authoring and co-authoring numerous grants to provide up-to-date technology for her school, and creating gardens, ponds, and murals for student science inquiry at her school.

Subjects: Science

Grade Levels:  1 through 8

Email Carol