Cephalopods From Around the World Self Paced (Grades 4-10: 9 Weeks)

Cephalopods Around the World

Self Paced Format

Grades 4-10

Length: 9 Weeks

Instructor: McCleign

OVERVIEW

In this 9-module self-paced class, we will dive… deep down into the depths of the ocean. We will look at a variety of cephalopods that are found around the world, in a variety of ocean zones. Using a combination of slides, photos, videos, worksheets, and activity, and quizzes every module, we will learn about these fascinating animals. 

Learning Objectives and Source Material

The goal is to introduce students to a large variety of cephalopods from around the world and the environments they live in and the adaptations they have. I hope to instill in them an awareness and love for what can be found in the ocean on our own planet, many animals of which most people have never heard of before. There are so many amazing animals found in the ocean with so many interesting things to share about them.  I am very passionate about what I teach. In an area of science that frequently changes, I make an effort to keep the information as updated as I can. All of my information is taken from scientific sources, including Monterrey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), Nautilus Live Ocean Exploration Trust, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Ocean Exploration. 

Module 1

In module 1 we will start by looking at octopus. The student will be introduced to the anatomy and behavior of the octopus, then we will specifically cover: Algae Octopus, Coconut Octopus, Telescope Octopus, Ornate Octopus, Musky Octopus, Deep Sea Octopus, Dumbo Octopus, Great Blue-Ringed Octopus, Maori Octopus, California Two-Spot Octopus, Caribbean Reef Octopus, and the Southern Keeled Octopus. Looking at where in the world they can be found, what they eat, and some unique facts about them.

Module 2

In module 2 we will continue looking at octopuses, this time focusing on: Day Octopus, Southern Sand Octopus, Atlantic Pygmy Octopus, Common Octopus, Star Sucker Pygmy Octopus, Flapjack Octopus, Mimic Octopus, Orange Cirrate Octopus, Vent Octopus, Wonderpus, Larger Pacific Striped Octopus, and the Ghost Octopus. One of the octopus in this module has only been seen a handful of times and is still considered new to science. Many of the octopus are found in the deep sea.

Module 3

In module 3 we will finish up looking at octopus, focusing on: Paper Nautilus, Curled Octopus, North Atlantic Deep-Sea Octopus, Giant Pacific Octopus, Bumblebee Octopus, Blanket Octopus, East Pacific Red Octopus, Gloomy Octopus, Glass Octopus, Seven Arm Octopus, Bock's Pygmy Octopus, and the Blind Cirrate Octopus. Did you know there was an octopus that creates its own shell? Or that one has a blanket?

Module 4

In module 4 we will start looking at squid. After a brief review of anatomy and behavior, will we look specifically at: Eye-Flash Squid, Deep-Sea Squid, Southern Bottletail Squid, Bigfin Reef Squid, Vampire Squid, Long-Armed Squid, California Market Squid, Hawaiian Bobtail Squid, Grass Squid, Japanese Pygmy Squid, Robust Clubhook Squid, and the Ram's Horn Squid. Did you know a 'shell' that washes up on the beach may actually be from a squid?

Module 5

In module 5 we continue looking at some more squid, focusing on: Strawberry Squid, Rhomboid Squid, Big Fin Squid, Neon Flying Squid, Joubin's Squid, Southern Dumpling Squid, Glass Squid, Clawed Armhoook Squid, Giant Squid, Glacial Squid, Tropical Bottletail Squid, and the Caribbean Reef Squid. Did you know there is a squid that has one huge eye and one teeny eye? What could be the benefit of this?

Module 6

In module 6 we continue looking at some more squid, focusing on: Common Squid, Striped Pyjama Squid, Longfin Squid, Comb-Finned Squid, Hummingbird Bobtail Squid, Shortfin Squid, Colossal Squid, Whiplash Squid, Grimalditheuthis Bonplandi, Humboldt Squid, Banded Piglet Squid, and the Japanese Flying Squid. Wait... flying squid? Those exist? Come take a look...

Module 7

In module 6 we finish up with squid, focusing on: Dana Octopus Squid, Thorny Whiplash Squid, Flowervase Jewel Squid, Octopus Squid, Boreopacific Gonate Squid, Thiele’s New Squid, Love Heart Squid, Common Arm Squid, Cockatoo Squid, Fire Squid, Disc-Fin Squid, and Planctoteuthis Squid  . Wait... Jeweled squid? Octopus squid? Love heart squid….  Those exist? Come take a look...

Module 8

In module 7 we start looking at cuttlefish and nautilus. We will take a brief look at the anatomy and behavior of both before focusing on: Reaper Cuttlefish, Smith's Cuttlefish, Chambered Nautilus, Needle Cuttlefish, Giant Australian Cuttlefish, Elegant Cuttlefish, Spineless Cuttlefish, Hooded Cuttlefish, Stumpy-Spined Cuttlefish, and the Flamboyant Cuttlefish. Cuttlefish are masters of using their color changing ability for more than just camouflage. Come see how.

Module 9

In module 8 we finish looking at cuttlefish and nautilus, focusing on Kobi Cuttlefish, Broadclub Cuttlefish, Palau Nautilus, Curvespine Cuttlefish, Pharaoh Cuttlefish, Paintpot Cuttlefish, Golden Cuttlefish, Common Cuttlefish, Mourning Cuttlefish, and the Kisslip Cuttlefish. Did you know that there is a type of cuttlefish that can use mimicry to look like other animals?

Materials Needed

This class has worksheets, so there needs to be access to a printer. (If you don't have a printer, many public libraries have the ability to print). A pencil/pen will be needed. A ruler or yardstick will be helpful for the student to see the sizes mentioned in person, but it is not required. 

About the Instructor

Ms. Veronica holds an Associate's degree in Wildlife Education. She has a passion for marine biology, especially when it comes to all things deep sea related. She has homeschooled for the last 11 years, and has taught marine biology online for the last 3 years. Furthermore, she has experience teaching children with developmental disabilities and homeschooling her nephew, who has Autism Spectrum Disorder.