This unit of work is based on the article ‘World’s Weirdest Sharks!’ from issue 15 of Animal Planet magazine (included). Pupils will learn about different types of sharks by reading the article in the resource pack. They will explore how sharks are adapted to their environment and identify differences between the species of sharks in the world’s seas and oceans.
The article is also used to develop comprehension skills to check pupils’ understanding of the text and to encourage them to retrieve and record information from non-fiction. The article is also used as a prompt to inspire writing, with opportunities to write a description of a shark.
Teachers’ notes are included for each of the activities, with suggested activities to develop the unit further.
This resource pack includes:
- Copy of the Animal Planet article ‘World’s Weirdest Sharks!’
- Comprehension question cards (with answer sheet)
- Shark image cards
- Parts of a shark worksheet
- Shark research sheet
- Shark spotting planning sheet
- Themed writing paper
What is Animal Planet Magazine?
This pack has been created in association with Animal Planet magazine, which fuels curious minds, helps children make sense of the world and sparks joy on every page.
To find out more, and register your interest in a school subscription, visit https://www.animalplanetmagazine.com/schools
National Curriculum Programme of Study Links
Reading
- Pupils should develop positive attitudes to reading and understanding of what they read by listening to and discussing a wide range of … non-fiction
- Pupils should understand what they read by
- checking that the text makes sense to them, discussing their understanding and explaining the meaning of words in context.
- asking questions to improve their understanding of the text.
- Pupils should be taught how to retrieve, record and present information from non-fiction.
Writing
Year 3 / 4
- Pupils should plan their writing by
- discussing and recording ideas
- Pupils should draft and write by
- organising paragraphs around a theme
Year 5/6
- Pupils should plan their writing by
- noting and developing initial ideas, drawing on reading research where necessary
- Pupils should draft and write by
- selecting appropriate grammar and vocabulary, understanding how such changes can change and enhance meaning.
Science
Year 6
Pupils should be taught to identify how animals and plants are adapted to suit their environment in different ways