Deep Sea Creatures - Frightening and Fascinating Self Paced (Grade 4-10: 9 Weeks) Part 1

Deep Sea Creatures Part 1

This series has two parts, but students do not have to complete both parts in order.

Grades 4-10

Instructor: McCleign

Class Syllabus

Length: 9 Weeks

Deep Sea Creatures 1-9

Syllabus for modules 1-9

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 animals that can be found in the deep-sea, scouring the globe. Using a combination of slides, photos, videos, worksheets, and activity, and quizzes every module, we will learn about these fascinating (and sometimes frightening!) animals. There will also be a final ‘Discover a Deep Sea Creature’ project.

Learning Objectives and Source Material

The goal is to introduce students to animals found in the living in the deep sea and the environments they live in. 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

An introduction to the ocean zones and what makes them different. The following animals are covered in this module: Rattail Fish, Big Red Jelly, Atlantic Wolfish, Glowing Sucker Octopus, Flabby Whalefish, Black Swallower, Antarctic Scale Worm, Barreleye Fish. Each week we will take a look at where in the world they are found, introduce adaptations they have that allow them to survive in their particular environment, diet, defenses, and interesting facts. An introduction to bioluminescence.

Module 2

Furthering our dive into the deep sea, we take a look at 8 new animals this module: Hagfish, Armored Snail, Supergiant Amphipod, Stareater, Chambered Nautilus, Blobfish, Blob Sculpin, and the Pacific Black Dragon. We will take a look at where in the world they are found, how they can survive in their particular environment, diet, and interesting facts. We will look into how slime can be used as a defense, and a glimpse into hydrothermal vents.

Module 3

Furthering our dive into the deep sea, we take a look at 8 new animals this module: Blackfin Icefish, Coffinfish, Solitary Hydroid, Giant Ostracod, Bloody Belly Comb Jelly, Cusk Eel, Arctic Hydromedusa, and the Coelacanth. We will look at where in the world they are found, how they survive, diet, and interesting facts. We will also see how it is possible for an animal to survive with no red blood cells/hemoglobin, and why an animal might have a camouflaged digestive system.

Module 4

Furthering our dive into the deep sea, we take a look at 8 new animals this module:  Black Tiger Nudibranch, Giant Isopod, Firefly Squid, Tomopteris Worm, Sea Pigs, Giant Larvacean, Flying Spaghetti Monster (It's a real thing!), Frilled Shark. We will be introduced to the animal group of siphonophores and how they survive as a colony. Also look at how different types of soft bodied animals protect themselves in the deep, and how some animals can go a very long time between meals.

Module 5

Furthering our dive into the deep sea, we take a look at 8 new animals this module: Fangtooth Fish, Gulper Eel, Japanese Giant Spider Crab, Sea angel, Cockatoo Squid, Longnose Deep Sea Skate, Green Bomber Worm, Giant Squid. There are some trendsetters this week... animals with super long teeth, super long arms and legs, animals that make bioluminescent 'bombs', and an animal with really crazy eating methods.

Module 6

Furthering our dive into the deep sea, we take a look at 8 new animals this module: Lantern Fish, Hydrothermal Vent Snail, Giant Tube Worm, Stubby Squid, Humpback Anglerfish, Kiwa crab, Harp Sponge, Goblin Shark. We will take a further look into hydrothermal vents and symbiotic relationships between animals and bacteria. We will take a look at the most common fish in the deep sea (not what you may think), and a predator with a unique jaw.

Module 7

Furthering our dive into the deep sea, we take a look at 8 new animals this module: Mariana Snailfish, Phronima Amphipod, Oarfish, Megamouth Shark, Viperfish, Pompeii Worm, Armored Searobin, Headless Chicken Monster. From gelatinous animals you can see through to worms that wear bacterial coats for thermal protection, we got it covered. We will also take a look at a weird way that one animal uses its prey as a mobile nursery.

Module 8

Furthering our dive into the deep sea, we take a look at 8 new animals this module: Basket Star, Pacific Sleeper Shark, Deep Sea Lizardfish, Flying Buttocks (It's a real thing!), Hatchetfish, Slender Snipe Eel, Venus Flytrap Anemone, Sea Spiders. Will introduce students to the idea of counterillumination as a form of camouflage. Discuss the ways some animals move through the water and the advantages it provides. Will also take a look at a genus of giant sea spiders.

Module 9

Finishing our dive into the deep sea for this class, we take a look at 8 new animals: Sea Squirt, Six Gill Shark, Blackfin Sorcerer Eel, Feather Star, Venus Flower Basket Sponge, Squidworm, Telescopefish, Vampire Squid. We talk about animals you might not immediately recognize as an animal and how they are (such as tunicates and sponges). As well as a very surprising fact about the vampire squid.

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.