Celebrate Shark Week in the Upper Elementary Classroom

Celebrate Shark Week in the Upper Elementary Classroom: Engaging Activities for 3rd to 5th Graders

Shark Week is an annual event that offers a thrilling opportunity for ocean enthusiasts to learn more about these fascinating creatures. I have always wanted to live on the beach; my favorite beaches are Florida and Hawaii, but it was not until last summer that I was literally yards away from a shark that my fascination grew even stronger. That is why Shark Week (regardless of whether you incorporate it now or in July) is a golden chance for you to integrate captivating shark-themed content into your lesson plans and engage students meaningfully. 

If you’re a 3rd to 5th-grade teacher, you can make this Shark Week an unforgettable experience for your students by incorporating exciting ideas and resources into your lesson plans. Whether it’s exploring the anatomy of sharks, learning about their habitats and behavior, or discovering the importance of shark conservation, there are many ways to make this week an engaging and informative experience for your learners. With the right tools and resources, you can inspire a love for marine life and encourage your students to become ocean stewards.

Here are 10 of my favorite Shark Week Ideas

1. Interactive Readings

Kick off the week with some captivating books that are perfect for your grade level. Here are a few must-reads:

• “Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist” by Jess Keating – This inspiring biography is perfect for showing students that their passions can turn into their life’s work.

• Children’s Encyclopedia of Sharks (Arcturus Children’s Reference Library) 

• “National Geographic Readers: Sharks!” by Anne Schreiber – Ideal for satisfying curious minds with cool facts and stunning photos that are age-appropriate.

2. Shark Research Project

Assign a small research project where each student picks a type of shark and prepares a presentation. Encourage them to explore the shark’s habitat, diet, size, and any unique features. This can culminate in a “Shark Gallery Walk” where students share their findings with the class. You will love using these Shark Teach-Go Pennants with every shark to research!

GRAB THE  SHARK RESEARCH PENNANTS HERE

3. Shark Reading Passages

This is a great way to get students learning about these magnificent ocean creatures without realizing they are doing class work that checks for reading understanding and comprehension. Take a quick peek at this packet perfect for students in 3rd, 4th and even 5th grade!

GRAB THE  SHARK READING PASSAGES HERE

4. Shark Conservation Lesson

Teach about the importance of sharks in marine ecosystems and discuss the impact of human activities on shark populations. Resources like the Shark Trust or the World Wildlife Fund provide plenty of materials for crafting a lesson on conservation efforts and how each person can help.

5. Virtual Field Trips

Take a virtual field trip to an aquarium that offers shark tours. Many institutions like  Galveston’s Moody Garden, or the Monterey Bay Aquarium or the Florida Aquarium have online resources and virtual tour options that can bring the world of sharks right into your classroom.

6. Shark Math Problems

Create math problems related to sharks. These could involve calculating the length of various sharks, the speed at which different sharks swim, or the number of teeth sharks might lose in a year. This integrates math skills with science learning in a fun way.

7. Shark Games and Apps

Incorporate educational games and apps that focus on marine life and sharks. For example, the “Shark Numbers” game on educational websites like Topmarks or apps like “Hungry Shark Evolution” can make learning exciting and interactive.

8. Shark-Friendly Snack Time

During snack time, you can make fun shark-themed snacks like shark-shaped sandwiches or fruit sharks made from melons or blueberries. This can be a great way to talk about healthy eating while keeping the theme.

9. Shark Tale Time

Encourage students to write short stories or poems about sharks. This can be a creative writing activity where students can invent stories about shark adventures or mythical shark characters.

10. Shark Art and Shark Fun Freebie

Let students express their creativity by drawing their favorite sharks or making shark-themed crafts. For instance, they can create shark bookmarks to use in their Shark Week readings or design shark hats from paper plates and streamers.

Or you can grab these free Shark Week Punny bookmarks here in my shop!

Shark Week is a wonderful way to engage students with science and help them develop a deeper understanding of the natural world. By integrating these activities, you can create an engaging and exciting learning environment that celebrates the fascinating world of sharks!

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