Grade 5 - Humans and the Ocean

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SUMMARY

A 4-5 Week Science Unit for Intermediate Level

This unit is designed for fifth grade, but could be adapted to other grades. Students develop an understanding of the connections between humans and the ocean through case studies, analysis of changing technology, and activities that illustrate impacts of one part of a system on its other components. They plan and carry out a monitoring activity, create community awareness, and take action to protect the ocean.

Essential Questions

  • How do people interact with the ocean?
  • What can we do to take care of the ocean?

Enduring Understandings

  • Connections between humans and the ocean are important.
  • Everyone is responsible for caring for the ocean.
  • Science is a way to help us study the many connections in our world.

Ocean Literacy Principles Addressed

  • The Earth has one big ocean with many features.
  • The ocean supports a great diversity of life and ecosystems.
  • The ocean and humans are inextricably interconnected.

LESSON PLANS

Black Katy kelp lays in a tidepool, with the light shining on it's green-brown flesh

The Legend of the Bidarki

Students explore the interconnections between the ocean, humans, and living things through a case study of harvesting bidarki in Port Graham and Nanwalek, reflecting on their personal connections to the ocean.

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Location: Classroom
Activity Type: Project

A setnetter sits in their open skiff by the water's edge, facing towards another incoming skiff. The set net can be seen on the bow of the boat facing the viewer

Fishing for the Future

Students discuss changes in fishing methods, then play a game to explore sustainable fishing. They simulate fishing with evolving technology across ocean areas, learning the consequences of overfishing and migration to meet needs.

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Location: Classroom, Large Space, Outside
Activity Type: Game, Hands-On

Six people pull at a knotted rope, which has now become marine debris, to remove it from the shoreline

Ocean Impacts

Students research a current ocean-related issue in small groups, using resources to create informative posters. They participate in a viewing session, asking questions about other posters and sharing their findings.

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Location: Classroom, Outside
Activity Type: Project

A close-view aerial shot of litter scattered along a shoreline, a boar is seen rummaging through the waste

Human Impact Survey

Students plan and carry out a survey of human impacts to a local aquatic environment. They analyze their findings and prepare to share them with the community.

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Location: Classroom, Outside
Activity Type: Field Trip, Project

Two volunteers are crouched over by the edge of a lake, cleaning up trash. They both wear white t-shirts, jeans, and Fubuki rain boots

Friends of the Sea

Students discuss stewardship actions and develop an action plan that they will carry out as a class. They host a “Friends of the Sea” party to involve the school and community in their stewardship efforts and to share the results of their investigations.

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Location: Classroom
Activity Type: Project

AUTHORS

Brandon Beard, Teacher, Kotlik
Glenn Oliver, Teacher, Anchorage
Sheryl Sotelo, Teacher, Homer
Marilyn Sigman, Scientist, Center for Alaska Coastal Studies, Homer
Stephanie Hoag, Curriculum Consultant, Juneau
Marla Brownlee, Alaska Sea Grant