Format
1. If the class is small enough and able, each child introduces him/herself.
2. We examine a variety of animals from Alaska’s marine ecosystem. Most of these animals will be seen in our tanks.
3. As we observe the animals’ behaviors and structures, the class talks about how the animals capture their food and where they live, as well as other characteristics.
4. Students have a worksheet showing the different zones in the ocean. Students attach stickers of the animals to the worksheet, showing where the animals like to live and their relationship to other animals of the same zone.
5. Time is allotted for Q&A from the students.
Objectives
Students will be able to do the following:
• Name eight (or more) animals that live in Alaska’s marine ecosystem
• Describe characteristics of those eight (or more) animals.
• Describe what those animals eat and how they capture their food.
• Describe where those animals live and why they prefer those parts of the ocean.
Standards Alignment
National Standards
Although this class is designed for Pre-K, Kindergarten, and special needs classes, it does meet the requirements for the following understandings in K-4:
NS.K-4.1 Science as Inquiry
• Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
• Understanding about scientific inquiry
NS.K-4.3 Life Science
• The characteristics of organisms
• Organisms and environments