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K–12 teaching and learning · from the UNC School of Education

Solving the sea turtle mystery

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/xpeditions/lessons/08/g68/ccloggerhead.html

A lesson plan for grade 6 Science

Provider: National Geographic


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In this Xpeditions lesson, students consider the reasons for the significant difference in vulnerability between the green turtle and the loggerhead turtle. They will be asked to think critically about hints they’ll be given concerning Shark Bay’s sea turtles and their ability to evade tiger sharks.

Students will:

  • hypothesize the reasons that green sea turtles are less likely to be eaten by tiger sharks;
  • discuss how scientists might investigate whether the green sea turtle’s speed is the only reason this species is less likely to be eaten;
  • discuss the results of the Crittercam study;
  • draw time lines showing the differences between the turtles’ breathing habits; and
  • write paragraphs describing what their time lines show and how the Crittercam study might help sea turtle conservation efforts.

Xpeditions provides links to helpful web resources, detailed instructions for completing the lesson, and suggestions for assessment and extension activities.

North Carolina Curriculum Alignment

Science (2005)

Grade 6

  • Goal 1: The learner will design and conduct investigations to demonstrate an understanding of scientific inquiry.
    • Objective 1.01: Identify and create questions and hypotheses that can be answered through scientific investigations.
    • Objective 1.05: Analyze evidence to:
      • Explain observations.
      • Make inferences and predictions.
      • Develop the relationship between evidence and explanation.
    • Objective 1.08: Use oral and written language to:
      • Communicate findings.
      • Defend conclusions of scientific investigations.
    • Objective 1.09: Use technologies and information systems to:
      • Research.
      • Gather and analyze data
      • Visualize data.
      • Disseminate findings to others.
    • Objective 1.10: Analyze and evaluate information from a scientifically literate viewpoint by reading, hearing, and/or viewing:
      • Scientific text.
      • Articles.
      • Events in the popular press.