Read: Swimming With Sharks

Length

Up to 30 minutes

Target Audience

Education: Grade(s) Kindergarten, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, Homeschool/Family , Learning PodPublic Library: Library Patrons

Minimum participants:

1

Maximum participants:

100

Primary Disciplines

Career & Technical Education (CTE), Language Arts/English, Literacy, Reading, Science, Technology/Information Science, Asian Pacific American heritage Month, Writing

Program Delivery Mode

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

Receive this program and 9 more for one low price when you purchase the CILC Virtual Expeditions package. Learn more

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

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 about sharks, what they’ve observed in nature, and what they are curious to learn about ocean life and women in science.
2. Segment 1 – Story Time: We read Swimming With Sharks: The Daring Discoveries of Eugenie Clark together. As the story unfolds, learners practice comprehension skills through guided discussion, explore biography as a genre, and connect to themes of curiosity, perseverance, and discovery.
3. Segment 2 – Shark Science: After the story, we explore shark adaptations and diversity. Learners complete hands-on activities such as the Shark Parts activity sheet.
4. Segment 3 – Questions and Answers: We conclude with a live, educator-led Q&A about sharks, Dr. Eugenie Clark’s legacy, and how Mote scientists study and care for marine life today.

Objectives

• Observe and describe the physical features, adaptations, and behaviors of sharks.
• Compare shark species and their adaptations to other marine animals, highlighting similarities and differences.
• Engage in a discussion about ocean habitats, shark diversity, and the role of women in science, with a focus on Dr. Eugenie Clark’s pioneering career.
• Develop literacy, reading comprehension, and confidence in asking science-related questions through journaling, interactive discussion, and activities such as the Shark Parts anatomy exercise and photo identification game.

Standards Alignment

National Standards

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.1.RI.1 -- Ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
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.2.RI.1 -- Ask and answer such questions as who, what, where, when, why, and how to demonstrate understanding of key details in a text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.3.RF.3b -- Decode words with common Latin suffixes.
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.4 -- Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, distinguishing literal from nonliteral language.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.4.RI.1 -- Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.K.RI.1 -- With prompting and support, ask and answer questions about key details in a text.
ESS3C 3-5 -- Human impacts on Earth systems
ESS3C K-2 -- Human impacts on Earth systems
LS1A 3-5 -- Structure and function
LS1A K-2 -- Structure and function
LS2A 3-5 -- Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
LS2A K-2 -- Interdependent relationships in ecosystems
LS2C 3-5 -- Ecosystem dynamics, functioning, and resilience
LS3A 3-5 -- Inheritance of traits
LS3A K-2 -- Inheritance of traits

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

State Standards

Florida Next Generation Sunshine State Standards (NGSSS)
• SC.K.L.14.3 – Observe plants and animals, describe how they are alike and how they are different in the way they look and in the things they do. Application: Learners compare sharks to other ocean animals by observing fins, gills, teeth, and behaviors.
• SC.1.L.14.1 – Make observations of living things and their environment using the five senses. Application: Learners explore shark body parts and senses (e.g., smell, sight, electroreception) and how they help sharks survive.
• SC.2.L.17.1 – Compare and contrast the basic needs that all living things, including humans, have for survival. Application: Learners compare shark needs (oxygen from water, sleep, food, habitat) with those of humans.
• 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 their traits to other fish or marine animals.
• SC.4.L.17.4 – Recognize ways plants and animals, including humans, can impact the environment. Application: Learners explore how humans have historically misunderstood sharks, how research like Eugenie Clark’s helped shift perceptions, and how people today can protect sharks and ocean habitats.
• SC.5.L.17.1 – Compare and contrast adaptations displayed by animals and plants that enable them to survive in different environments. Application: Learners identify specific shark adaptations and relate them to survival in different ocean habitats.