From Unit Plan: Discovering the Deep

The following resources are available in the Teacher Store.

Easy Steps to Writing Fantastic Research Reports by Jean Dreheer, Kathryn Davis, Priscilla Waynant, Suzanne Clewell
We really like this book! It is a well-organized, four-step method for teaching research to students. It provides mini-lessons and graphic organizers. It lays things out in a very clear, sequential order and in small pieces that are easily digested by the student. We love the "reflections" pages that allow the student, as well as the teacher, to quickly see what the student understands and doesn't understand. Finally, here is a book that shows HOW to teach each research skill.

Internet Made Easy: 80 Internet Mini-Scavenger Hunts by Michelle Robinette
This is a perfect source for independent learning or challenging activities. There are reproducible activity cards that help kids build Internet research skills as they find fascinating facts in social studies, science, math, and language arts. The activities look like fun and help the students familiarize themselves with the Internet.

A True Book: The Pacific Ocean by David and Christine Petersen
This is a great book for teaching research. It is easily understood by students and contains a glossary, index, and Web sites. The format of the book is very eye-catching, and the full color pictures support the text well.

The Mystery of the Dark Lighthouse by Laura E. Williams
This book is an example of the mystery genre and also appropriate for the ocean unit. Jen and Zeke live with their Aunt Bee in the old Mystic Lighthouse. They must uncover the secrets deep within the old lighthouse before someone else does. It's a challenge for the students to look for clues to discover the mystery of the dark lighthouse. Included in the back of the book is a Suspect Sheet where the reader can keep track of the name, motive, and clues. Reading level 4.

The Magic Fish by Freya Littledale
This charming folktale about a modest fisherman and his greedy wife will delight young readers with its predictability. It's a "quick read" that highlights the folklore genre and reinforces the important lesson that you should be content with what you have or "enough is plenty." When the wife sends her husband back for the final time to request yet more from the fish, the students will anticipate the fish's reaction with delight.

On The Mayflower: Voyage of a Ship's Apprentice and a Passenger Girl by Kate Waters Historical Fiction.

Sharks by Gail Gibbons

The Magic School Bus on the Ocean Floor by Joanna Cole

The following books may be found in your school library.

Teaching Genre: Explore 9 Types of Literature to Develop Lifelong Readers and Writers by Tara McCarthy
This book deals with distinct genres or sub-genres of literature (i.e. biography, folklore). Each unit has an overview for the teacher, pre-reading for the students, a brief example of the genre and a reading response section for the students. This is an excellent source for clarifying the characteristics of each genre. The responding options help students share their reactions, dig deeper into the literary excerpt, and identify the major elements of the given genre.

Shark Lady: The True Adventures of Eugenie Clark by Ann McGovern
This book has a double benefit. It is an excellent example of biography so it is very useful in the genre unit and it has an ocean theme. The book tells us about Eugenie as a Japanese American girl growing up with an early interest in the ocean. There are photographs of Eugenie and her exciting life as a shark researcher. She helped design a shark-proof wetsuit and then had to test it with sharks in a real-life situation. Truly, she is an amazing woman.

Coral Reef Hideaway: The Story of a Clown Anemonefish by Doe Boyle
This is about one topic, sea anemonefish, with a glossary and a small index. This has simple but informative text with stunning watercolor pictures. This is a great resource for your lower readers.

Habitats: Ocean Tide Pool by Arthur John L'Hommedieu
Meet the creatures that live in an ocean tide pool! This book is made up of photographs that are colorful and rich in detail. Sidebars on the pages give students information about each particular animal. The text is straightforward and to the point, telling about each animal and how it survives in the tide pool. In the back of the book are thumbnail descriptions of each picture, giving more specific information.

Our Mysterious Ocean
Publisher: Reader's Digest Young Families Book

Why The Tides Ebb and Flow by Marc Brown
Folktale.

Ocean Mammals by Elaine Landau

Discovery Plus: Oceans and Rainforests
by Frances A. Dipper and Jane Parker

In the Swim by Douglas Florian
Poetry.