Welcome to Shark School: A 5-Day Ocean Animal Lesson Plan for Kids

A-Z-Animals.com/A-Z Animals

Written by Brooks Mathews

Published: June 16, 2025

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Sharks are a remarkable, diverse group of ocean-dwellers that inhabit marine ecosystems all over the world. From the massive, gentle giant whale shark to the bioluminescent dwarf lantern shark, there are over 500 species of sharks that date back hundreds of millions of years. Their skeletons made of cartilage, streamlined bodies, rows of sharp, replaceable teeth and balanced, efficient fins help sharks hunt and survive in various aquatic environments.

Schooling grey reef sharks, Ningaloo reef, Western Australia

This fascinating cross-curricular shark unit plan invites young learners to dive deeper into the exploration of sharks through highly engaging lesson plans and instructional materials designed specifically for elementary aged students. Students will investigate the physical characteristics of sharks, their habitats, carnivorous diet, various species of sharks, ways that sharks communicate and unique shark behaviors.

The perfect shot of a Great white shark

Included in the unit plan are five-days worth of comprehensive lesson plans, activity worksheets, comprehension questions, graphic organizers, writing prompts, vocabulary activities, research projects and more. We hope our unit plan sparks curiosity for ocean animals, builds critical thinking skills and fosters a deeper understanding for marine life!


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About the Author

Brooks Mathews

Brooks Mathews is an Education Writer for A-Z Animals, designing animal based unit plans that include lesson plans, activity sheets, craft/project ideas and more! She is an elementary teacher of eight years with a Bachelors degree from the University of South Carolina and a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education from Arizona State University. She resides in Nashville, TN with her husband of eight years, their son, Grady and their Golden Retriever!

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