Ocean, Pond life, and Insects
Essential Question: How can I group animals?
For all of the animal units, we use the following teaching concept: Animals can be grouped by their color, size, and appearance, how they move, and where they live. Every animal has offspring specific to their species. There are similarities and differences between parent and baby animals. Identifying how to group animals shows us how animals are unique but also alike.
Ocean:
Introduction/Hook: Remind students that you are learning how to group animals by their physical attributes as well as by where they live and how they move. You can also find similarities and differences within these groups. There are so many fun activities to do with ocean animals, however, if you don't live by the coast it can be difficult to create a realistic representation. You could always take a field trip to your local aquarium, but with many schools having limited field trip options, this isn't always possible. I suggest engaging the students by showing a clip from the movie 'Finding Nemo' where there are lots of ocean animals visible (5 minutes or less should do). Prime your students before showing the clip as to what they are going to be looking for: what animals they saw, what did those animals look like, and how did they move. After viewing the clip have your students fill out What do I see under the sea? sheet.
Writing/Center Activity: If I were an animal in the deep blue sea is a book that the students will fill in the blanks with words as well as illustrate. The fill in the blanks allow the students to be creative! We tell the students that the words they fill in can be silly and don't necessarily have to be real (Ex: I would be a cool turtle with an electric guitar)
Pond life:
Introduction/Hook: If you are able, visit a neighborhood/local pond around your school. If you are unable to do this see if you can find some pictures of a pond and possibly some background noise (maybe of some ducks or crickets) and take an imaginary trip. Ask your students to make some observations using their senses. Afterwards have them partner up and share with a friend. Once your students have had enough reflection time have them fill out this pond life observation sheet .
The primary research site Pebble Go (http://www.pebblego.com/login.php) has some great emergent reader articles on pond animals that are great to use when introducing the unit.
Insects:
