The Scoop on Sharks

Are all sharks scary? Not at all This beautifully illustrated mini-course is designed for grades K-5 and to be done at home or with small groups. An interactive, multi-activity mini-course, The Scoop on Sharks introduces children to the broad diversity of shark species. It includes a richly illustrated story-based lesson as well as games, activities, and projects that appeal to all types of learners.

Children are introduced to the wide array of shark diversity in a story about Mrs. Puffer's underwater school. They join Freddie Flounder, Devi the Dolphin, and several other marine friends to learn about the many, varied members of the shark family and what they eat. In a hands-on craft activity, children then become familiar with shark anatomy by constructing their own model sharks. Next, in Shark Lengths and Locations, children use several visual activities to reinforce their understanding both of how large different shark species are, and where in the world these different sharks are found. Next, what is more fun than becoming the expert? In "At the Museum: Mix and Match Jaws," children become museum curators and establish their own shark exhibits for instructing their peers or family members. Finally, children are encouraged to think about the way that human behavior affects sharks in a movement-based game of "Shark Rock-Paper-Scissors."

Most materials needed to complete the mini-course can be cut from the book itself (or, if preferred, downloaded and printed using an included link). The mini-course requires only a few common household items to complete the activities: Stuffed animal, scissors, tape, sandpaper, black construction paper (plus a few other colors), string or yarn, small balloons, safety pins, measuring tape, colored pencils, markers, or crayons (black, gray, red, green, blue), play dough or similar clay, masking or painter's tape, glue (optional).

Upon completing the mini-course, children will be provided with links to additional online resources and will earn new concept badges for their Science Tool Kit (included in the mini-course)-including Shark, Egg Case, Apullae of Lorenzini, and Shark Food.