May / June 2022

Baby Shark in a Tree

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Academic Standards

Reading Objective:

Students will recognize that a mangrove tree provides a safe home for baby sharks.

Next Generation Science Standards:

K-ESS3-1: Why animals live where they live

K-LS1-1: What animals need to survive

1-LS1-2: Patterns of behavior that help offspring survive

Vocabulary:

mangrove

Check comprehension and inspire discussion.

 

1. Where does the baby shark live?
(It lives in the roots and branches of mangrove trees.)

2. Where do mangrove trees grow?
(in the water)

3. Where do baby sharks hide?
(They hide in the tree roots. Big sharks can’t find and eat them.)

4. What do baby sharks find in the tree roots?
(They find friends and food, such as fish and crabs.)

 Go online to print or project the Reading Checkpoint.

  • Baby lemon sharks are only 2 feet long. They can
    grow to be 10 feet long.
  • A group of sharks is called a shiver.
  • Mangrove trees are being cut down to build hotels by the sea. People are working to protect mangroves, which will help baby sharks.

Materials: 12˝ rulers, pencils, copies of the skill sheet

Overview: Students measure classroom objects to discover which are longer and shorter than a 2-foot baby lemon shark.

Directions:

  1. Gather students. Remind them that baby lemon sharks need to hide from big sharks because they’re small—just 2 feet long.
  2. Remind students that scientists measure things. Use a foot-long ruler to show kids what 2 feet looks like. Measure an object for them. Is it longer or shorter than 2 feet?
  3. Hand out rulers, pencils, and skill sheets.
    It’s time to measure classroom objects! What can students find that’s longer than a baby shark? What is shorter?
  4. Have students measure three objects and record how long they are. (Kids less experienced with measuring can use feet, rounded up. Those more advanced can measure in inches.)
  5. Record findings on the skill sheets. If there’s time, students can share their results.