Since I am doing a unit for first-graders, I feel the twenty hours of supplementary activities is unnecessary. Therefore, more time will be devoted to in-class lessons.

SUBJECT: Sharks

GRADE LEVEL:

1 OBJECTIVES: To learn as much as possible about sharks including a basic introducion, physical characteristics, different types, eating habits, acquariums, and their preservation.

MATERIALS: Students will need books, individual folders, paper, pencils, and computers with Microsoft Word and Internet access.

PROCEDURE: Lesson #1 - Together as a class, we will fill out a KWL Chart (What do you already know? What do you want to know? What have you learned?) about sharks on a large easel. Only the first two columns will be completed then. Next produce the site sharks on the overhead television and read it to the children. Discuss what was read and any questions the students have.

Homework: Have the children discuss with their parents the KWL chart.

Lesson #2 - Read a couple books from the collection you provided to get the children thinking and imagining. Next, have them look through the books themselves to get a better idea of what a shark looks like. Intersperse children on the computers during this time using the site WYLAND KID'S START PAGE to color in a shark.

Homework: Have the students take a book home and read it with their parents.

Lesson #3 - The kids will get a better idea of a shark's appearance by putting the site NOVA Online | Island of the Sharks on the television. There is a section in there called "clickable shark" which enables the user to look at each individual body part. Go over these with the children, and then allow them to use the 'paint' feature on Windows to make a more detailed shark.

Homework: Assign the students to bring their picture home and discuss the shark's body parts with their parents.

Lesson #4 - Exposing to students the different kinds of sharks is very important so they will not simply know the standard (usually Great White) one. To do this, read a book to the children concerning all the varieties of sharks. Tell them beforehand that as you are reading, to pick one shark that they would like to learn more about. Take groups of children at a time to the computers to look at the site ALL ABOUT SHARKS - Compiled by Stephen Bilson which has a paragraph or two describing numerous types of sharks. Have the children then go write two things they have learned about their particular shark, edit their papers, and then have them use Microsoft Word (help them) to type out their facts.

Homework: Tell the children to bring their papers home to read to their parents.

Lesson #5 - Have the children who want to share their stories on the sharks they learned more about to the class. Allow the children to ask questions of each other. Next, put the site Zo om Sharks - Enchanted Learning Software on the big television and go to "Pop-up Card." Demonstrate how to make a card and then let each child make one based on the shark s/he learned about.

Homework: Have the children share their cards with their parents.

Lesson #6 - Ask the students for their ideas on where sharks live and why. Then either read the children the book about habitats for sharks, or look at almost any one of the shark web sites mentioned to get information. Get a map out to explain where in the world most sharks are found in relation to where we live. Next, let the students play Nadya's Underwater Adventure Game on the computer which is an animated treasure hunt through shark caverns.

Homework: Have the students ask their parents where they think sharks live, and have the parents write the answers down. Share the next day.

Lesson #7 - Discuss with the children what they think sharks eat compared to what we eat. Do a compare and contrast chart with them on an easel. Then read to them the part on diet and eating habits found at Sharks and Their Relatives .     Next, have the children work in pairs to make a new chart with the learned information. Share the charts aloud.

Homework: Tell the children to share their charts with their parents.

Lesson #8 - If you already have one, or are able to purchase one, bring in a fish tank (probably around 10 gallons capacity). Also bring in all the required materials for the tank's operation, including a small type of shark easily purchased at a pet store. Go over the instructions on the site, Sharks Fearsome? , for how to set up a home aquarium. Ask the children to guess, based on what they have learned, what type of shark will now be in the class. The kids will be extremely excited, and having a shark available will even increase their interest for learning.

Homework: Without even assigning something, I'm sure most kids will share with their parents that the class has a shark pet.

Lesson #9 - If possible, take the children to a local aquarium so that they will be able to see other, bigger sharks. While you are there, ask them what types of sharks they see, and how the tanks they are in are keeping them alive.

Homework: Have the children write down 3 favorite things they saw today.

Lesson #10 - Discuss with the students the concept that certain types of sharks are in danger of extinction and why. Get information if you need some from almost any of the web sites mentioned. Next, put the site, The Shark Research Institute , on the television and then go over what the institute does. Finally, complete the KWL chart with the children. If a child still has a question you cannot answer, show them the site, AquaFacts: Sharks , which has a section entitled, "Ask a Scientist." This makes it possible to have your question answered via e-mail.

Homework: Tell the children to discuss with their parents the concept of shark extinction.