Grade 4 - The Case of the Missing Sea Otters

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SUMMARY

A 3-5 Week Science Unit for Intermediate Level

This unit is designed for 4th grade but could be adapted for use at any of the intermediate grades. Students develop an understanding of how organisms in aquatic environment are connected to each other through four investigations that weave together the story of “The Case of the Missing Sea Otters.” Students participate in a sampling simulation, make predictions, and try to solve the mystery of the missing otters. They then apply their knowledge of ecosystems to their local aquatic environment. Finally, students share their collected data with other classrooms around the state.

Essential Question

  • In what ways are organisms in aquatic environments connected to each other?

Enduring Understandings

  • Organisms in aquatic habitats interact with and depend on one another in various ways.
  • An ecosystem is a community of living things with its physical environment, functioning as a unit.
  • Science is a way to help us study the many connections in our world.

Ocean Literacy Principles Addressed

  • The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems.
  • The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected.

LESSON PLANS

Three sea otters lay on their backs in the water, chewing on kelp

The Missing Sea Otters

Over 4–5 days, students read a mystery about Aleutian sea otters and study a population graph. They research ecological relationships using videos, websites, and readings, then share findings and create murals of the sea otter/kelp bed ecosystem.

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Grade 4
Location: Classroom
Activity Type: Hands-On, Multimedia, Project

marine biologist looking through camera while sitting on a boat

How Do Scientists Learn About Ecosystems?

In this 3-4 day investigation, students explore the sea otter mystery, simulate scientific methods like observation and sampling, and reflect on data collection through discussions and posed questions.

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Grade 4
Location: Classroom, Outside
Activity Type: Hands-On, Project

A sea otter peeps out of the water, eating a bright purple sea urchin

Interconnections

In this 4-5 day investigation, students explore hypotheses on sea otter decline, play a food web game, predict experiment outcomes, and evaluate evidence. They diagram the food web and predict ecosystem changes based on findings.

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Grade 4
Location: Large Space
Activity Type: Game, Project

Beautiful view of an Alaskan lake, with mountains seen in the background and vibrant pink fireweed growing in the foreground

Our Nearby Ecosystem

Over 4–5 days, students prepare for and complete a field trip to apply skills from the sea otter mystery. Activities may include ecosystem mapping, a stream walk, or a coast survey. Back in class, they analyze and share their findings.

View Lesson Plan

Grade 4
Location: Classroom, Outside
Activity Type: Field Trip, Hands-On, Project

AUTHORS

Jennifer Thompson, Teacher, Gastineau School, Juneau
Elissa Borges, Teacher, Gastineau School, Juneau
Paula Savikko, Teacher, Gastineau School, Juneau
Marilyn Sigman, Scientist, Center for Alaskan Coastal Studies, Homer
Stephanie Hoag, Curriculum Consultanta