Amanda & Kyla

Illinois State Standards 12.A.2a Describe simple life cycles of plants and animals and the similarities and differences in their offspring. 12.B.2a Describe relationships among various organisms in their environments (e.g., predator/prey, parasite/host, food chains and food webs). 12.B.2b Identify physical features of plants and animals that help them live in different environments (e.g., specialized teeth for eating certain foods, thorns for protection, insulation for cold temperature). 12.E.2b Describe and explain short-term and long-term interactions of the Earth’s components (e.g., earthquakes, types of erosion).

Resources /Organisms-in-a-community-are-linked-through- what-they-eat /Organisms-in-a-community-are-linked-through- what-they-eat ates/coral/ ates/coral/ =related =related

Introduction Pretend you are Marlin and Dory exploring the ocean looking for Nemo. Before you find Nemo you need to learn more about the ocean life, the plants, and the layers of the ocean. Get ready for an educational adventure under the sea!

Task Students will work in groups of four to gather more information about the ocean. Each student will be assigned a role to provide specific information to share with a group to combine into one project. Students will share information they discovered with the classroom. Students should be creative on presenting their discoveries of the ocean.

Roles Marlin- Finds information to answer all the questions about the ocean Dory- Keeps everyone on task and moving in the right direction Crush- Record all information found about the ocean gathered by the group Bruce- Present information for rest of class

Questions to Research! What are the five layers of the ocean? How deep is the ocean? Do you think the very bottom of the ocean will ever be discovered? What is coral reef? What types of conditions do they generally live in? Explain how the ocean’s food chain works. Why is it important? What is the difference between vertebrates and invertebrates? List different examples of each. Explain why you think the ocean has colder temperatures as it gets deeper. Research different underwater creatures that you are not already familiar with. How do you feel about the different characteristics of the creatures you have seen during research?

Conclusion Congratulations on learning about the ocean! It is not as scary as you thought! Now you can explore the ocean all by yourself and tell others everything you have learned!

For Later Study Create a poster board or PowerPoint explaining how to save the ocean. Write a report on one specific creature in the ocean you would like to learn more about. Visit the Shedd Aquarium to learn more about the wonders of animal life in the ocean. Watch a movie about the recent discoveries in the ocean. Go fishing with a family member or friend to experience fish and nature.

Evaluation Students will present their research in a journal about there underwater adventure. Students will be evaluated on the extent information they found. Students will be evaluated on how well they are able to work in groups. Students will be evaluated on creativity and originality.

For Further Study Read and watch to learn more about the ocean!