Lesson Activity Sheet Shark (Primary)

© SEA SHEPHERD 2021 1

SHARKS LESSON ACTIVITY SHEET

TEACHING RESOURCE: PRIMARY SCHOOL (Age 8 – 11)

Lesson Summary

Sharks are facing a number of threats, including poaching and by-catch in nets of the commercial fishing industry. Many shark species are endangered as a result.

Activities

These activities are designed to enhance and expand on the key learnings from the Sharks lesson. They can be used as part of the Lesson or assigned as research or projects.

English

LEARNING SKILLS – Creative thinking, communicate, critical thinking, empathy, reasoning, advocate, reflect and explanation.

Activity 1

“People protect what they love.” Jacques Yves Cousteau

Discuss the following:

Ø What does the quote mean to you? Ø How does this quote reflect the public perception of sharks and why we

kill millions of sharks each year? Ø Analyse the meaning and discuss in class (reflection)?

Activity 2 For each of the following words:

Ø Look up the dictionary definition of the word. Ø Write the meaning of the word in your own words. Ø What other words can you find with the same meaning? Ø Write a sentence using the word.

Endangered Extinction Poacher




Geography

LEARNING SKILLS – Research, investigate, analyse, interpretation, communicate, critical thinking and explanation.

Activity 1 Research the Galapagos Islands or Sea of Cortez – what are the unique features on land and in the sea.

Investigate why sharks are visiting these areas.

What other marine species visit or live in these regions?




History

LEARNING SKILLS – Research, interpretation, communicate, reasoning, explanation and critical thinking.

Activity 1 Sharks are loved or hated in different cultures around the world.

Research through history which cultures admired and protected sharks and which have hunted sharks and why?




Science

LEARNING SKILLS – Investigate, research, analyse, creative thinking, communicate, critical thinking and explanation.

Activity 1 Fact of fiction

Investigate sharks and identify some facts you did not know about sharks and things you thought about sharks that were not true.

Activity 2 Electroreception Activity

Electroreception is how sharks locate prey, by reading electrical pulses. It is like when you put two magnets together and they connect.

To demonstrate this you will need:

Ø Two magnets, strip magnets or small flat magnets work best. They need to be strong enough to attract over short distances

Ø Cut out pictures or a shark and several fish or rays drawn on a thin cardboard.

Ø A string, to attach to the shark. Ø A shallow tray or tub. Ø Enough sand to create a layer, a few centimetres thick, on the bottom of

the tray.

Preparing demonstration

Attach the magnets to the back of the shark and fish/rays using glue or tape. Attach the string to the shark either by taping to back or punch a hole in the nose and tie the string on.

Fill the tray with sand and level. Bury the fish and ray just under the surface of the sand so they can’t be seen.

Showing electroreception

To demonstrate how electrorecption works the shark will be dangled just above the sand, moving it along. If the magnets work correctly it will be drawn to the fish or rays.




Social Science

LEARNING SKILLS – Creative thinking, communicate, critical thinking, empathy, reasoning, advocate, reflect, explanation and global citizenship.

Activity 1

Shark fin soup is popular in some cultures. The demand for shark fins is having a huge Impact on shark species. How would you encourage people to stop eating shark fin soup? Create your own campaign to stop sharks being killed.

Ø Investigate the issue – what is happening, why is it wrong? Ø Create a plan for your campaign – identify key messages you will use and

how you will convey your message. Ø Design and create your campaign materials.

This can be an article, social media campaign, videos, pamphlets. Anything that you think would reach your target audience.

Activity 2

How would you advocate for a change in the opinion about sharks, encouraging people to respect and protect them?

Given the number of sharks killed each year and their role in the ecosystem, write an article that calls for the protection of sharks.




YOUR FEEDBACK

We value your feedback and would be pleased to hear your thoughts about this lesson and activities. Any comments, suggestions or requests for further information can be sent to [email protected]

Arts / Media

LEARNING SKILLS – Creative thinking, communicate, critical thinking, empathy, reasoning, advocate and explanation.

Activity 1 Create an artwork or infographic to change peoples’ opinions about sharks. Express why we should respect and appreciate sharks.

Activity 2

Create a shark artwork of your choice – paint, sculpture, trash art, etc.

Documents

Lesson Activity Sheet Shark (Primary)