Objective:

To create a classroom shell display.

Vocabulary:

univalve- one shell, like a cone shell
bivalve- two shells, like a clam
tooth shells- long, narrow shells that resemble elephant tusks
octopuses & squids
chitons- eight moveable parts on shell, resemble armor

Materials:

Guest speaker- shell collector
Class set of shells
Reference books about shells
Computer with Internet access, book marked sites
Classification Tag Worksheet

Procedure:

1. Explain to the students that people often collect seashells.  Introduce Guest speaker.

2. Guest speaker talks about and shows personal collection of shells.

3. Show the students the class set of shells.

4. Discuss how scientists classify and tag specimens. Tell the students that their job is to tag each shell in the class set.

5. Distribute Classification Tags to students.

6. *If guest speaker is not available, have students go on a virtual field trip to Shell World.

Evaluation:

Teacher will evaluate students' classroom shell display using a rubric. Teachers can visit Rubistar 4 Teachers/ Templates  for an example of a display rubric.

Extension:

Students can write a narrative piece about finding a shell at a beach.
Students can photograph their class collection and design a web page using Netscape Composer to share their shells.

Home Learning:

Students continue to add to the class exhibit by finding shells and bringing them in to class.

*If shells are not available to students, they can be purchased for a minimal price at various sites, such as Delta Education  and  Shell City.