1. Create your own Ocean Creature

2. In this activity you will be a marine biologist who has discovered a new species in the ocean. You will create an image of your new species and write a description of the creature
This is you discovering new species!

3. You and your partner will share a laptop while you do research and plan your creature.
You will view some slides with questions about ocean creatures, and think about your creature’s appearance and abilities.
Remember: Your creature must be IMAGINARY, but it should be based on the REAL ABILITIES of ocean creatures of that zone.

4. Look at the questions on your planner
Look at the questions on your planner. Keep these in mind as you get ideas for your creature.

5. Things to think about

6. # 2 -Where will your creature live?

7. # 3 -What ocean zone will your creature reside in?

8. #4 - What ocean floor feature will your creature live near?
Shoreline
Guyot
Continental Shelf
Abyssal Plain
Continental Slope
Ridges
Trench
Rifts

9. Other questions and features to think about…
Look at these questions before you fill out # 5 to 9 on your planner!
Discuss your ideas with your group.
Google the topic if you need to!

10. Will your creature live in the reefs?
Remember, reefs are in warm, tropical waters!

11. Will your creature live in the deep?

12. A word about bioluminescence – Will your creature be bioluminescent?
Deep in the ocean, where sunlight can no longer penetrate, lies an incredible world of darkness.
The creatures that live here have evolved their own ways of dealing with the darkness. Through a process known as bioluminescence, they have developed the ability to use chemicals within their bodies to produce light.

13. Will your creature swim and have fins?

14. Will your creature have tentacles and move by propulsion (pushing itself along)?

15. Will your creature crawl on the ocean floor? How many legs does it have?

16. What unique features will your creature have?

17. How will your creature defend itself?
Speed
Camouflage
Specialized body parts – teeth, poison, hard shell, etc..
Swimming in large groups

18. BE CREATIVE!!
Your creature cannot be real. It must be a brand new species that you create!

19. Grade Your grade will be based on:
Detail and accuracy of your creature’s characteristics and ability to survive.
Effort, participation and focus during class time.
Attention to detail, neatness and effort at creativity.
Name and period # in top right corner, planner glued to back of construction paper.