Read: Smiley Shark

Length

Up to 30 minutes

Target Audience

Education: Grade(s) Pre-K Students, Kindergarten, 1, 2, 3, Homeschool/Family , Learning Pod Other Public Library: Library Patrons Children

Minimum participants:

1

Maximum participants:

100

Primary Disciplines

Language Arts/English, Literacy, Reading, Science, Social and Emotional Learning( SEL), Writing

Program Delivery Mode

Videoconference – Webcam/desktop (Zoom, Google Meet, Cisco WebEx, GoToMeeting, Microsoft Teams, etc...)
Zoom

Booking Information

Mote reserves the right to modify program content or schedules as needed. Changes made by Mote do not qualify for a refund. Program elements may vary due to weather or veterinary needs. While we strive to deliver all experiences as described, a mix of live and pre-recorded video may be used to maintain program quality.

Sorry, this program is not currently available. To inquire about future availability, please contact Mote Marine Laboratory

For more information contact CILC by email info@cilc.org or by phone (507) 388-3672

Provider's Cancellation Policy

Effective 7/1/2025, the following Cancellation, Rescheduling & Program Policies apply to Mote Virtual Focus Trips.

About This Provider

 

Mote Marine Laboratory

Sarasota, FL
United States

Experience the wonders of the ocean from the comfort of your own classroom or home with Mote Marine Laboratory's Virtual Focus Trips! As a world-class, AZA-accredited nonprofit marine research institution, we bring the excitement of authentic research and hands-on learning to you. From chatting with a shark trainer in the stunning new Mote Science Education Aquarium, to exploring the Florida Keys and observing coral reefs like a real scientist, our virtual lessons are designed to engage and inspire your students. Aligned with state and national education standards, our lessons range from 30 to 60 minutes and provide a unique and thrilling way to dive into STEM topics. Join us on a virtual learning journey and unlock the mysteries of the ocean!

Program Details

Format

1. Introduction and Prior Knowledge: Learners are invited to share what they know, what they’ve observed in nature, and what they’re curious to learn about sharks and other marine life. We also practice smiling!
2. Segment 1 – Story Time: We read Smiley Shark together. As the story unfolds, learners meet a lonely shark with a big heart and an even bigger grin. Through guided discussion, we explore character actions, problem-solving, and the importance of helping others. Along the way, we compare traits of different sea animals featured in the book.
3. Segment 2 – Fishy Thoughts and Photo Album: We play a fun reading comprehension quiz to revisit key moments in the story and encourage recall and reasoning. Then we take a quick dive into shark diversity using photos to show real shark species.
4. Segment 3 – Questions and Answers: We wrap up with a live, educator-led Q&A. Learners are encouraged to ask questions about sharks, and how we study and care for marine animals at Mote.

Objectives

• Explore how sharks and other sea creatures are adapted to survive in ocean habitats.
• Engage in a discussion about friendship, teamwork, and the diversity of marine animals.
• Compare different types of sharks and how they differ from other ocean animals.
• Develop curiosity and confidence in asking questions about sharks and other marine life.

Standards Alignment

National Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.1.RL.5 -- Explain major differences between books that tell stories and books that give information, drawing on a wide reading of a range of text types.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.3.RL.1 -- Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.3.RL.3 -- Describe characters in a story (e.g., their traits, motivations, or feelings) and explain how their actions contribute to the sequence of events.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.K.RL.1 -- With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
LS1A 3-5 -- Structure and function
LS1A K-2 -- Structure and function
LS1D 3-5 -- Information Processing
LS1D K-2 -- Information Processing

• SDG14 - Life Below Water
• Ocean Literacy Principle #5

State Standards

Florida Next Generation Sunshine State Standards (NGSSS)
• SC.K.L.14.2 – Recognize that some books and other media portray animals and plants with characteristics and behaviors they do not have in real life. Application: Learners identify which parts of Smiley Shark are pretend, then compare those fictional traits to real facts about sharks shared in the learning segment.
• SC.1.N.1.1 – Raise questions about the natural world, investigate them individually and in teams. Application: Learners ask and answer questions about shark behavior, body parts, and life in the ocean.
• SC.2.L.17.2 – Recognize and explain that living things are found all over Earth, but each is only able to live in habitats that meet its basic needs. Application: Learners discuss how different ocean animals live in different habitats and how each has body parts and behaviors that help them meet their needs.
• SC.3.L.15.1 – Classify animals into major groups according to their physical characteristics and behaviors. Application: Learners classify sharks as fish and compare them with mammals and invertebrates, based on skeleton type, reproduction, and other traits.
• SC.4.L.17.4 – Recognize ways plants and animals, including humans, can impact the environment. Application: Learners discuss how pollution, overfishing, and habitat loss affect sharks and what people can do to help protect ocean life.