For Educators:
All About
Shark Rays
What is this Video?
All About Shark Rays
In All About Shark Rays, students explore the comparative anatomy, mating habits, and environment of shark rays. Students examine the shark ray’s teeth and jaw structure. This activity was designed as a combination of visual, hands-on, and collaborative learning, providing 1-3hours of programming.
Start by showing your class the included video on shark rays, followed by discussion of the material. Use the questions below to guide the conversation.
Conversation Starters:
Ask:
- Shark Rays look like a mix of sharks and manta rays. Why do you think this
would be advantageous to the animals?
- Where do you think that Shark Rays live? Why?
- Do you think Shark Rays are a rare animimal? Why?
Standards:
2-LS4-1. Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life
in different habitats.
3-LS3-2. Use evidence to support the explanation that traits can be
influenced by the environment.
4-LS1-1. Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal
and external structures that function to support survival, growth,
behavior, and reproduction.
Science and Engineering Practices:
- Analyzing and Interpreting Data
- Developing and Using Models
- Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
- Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
- Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Disciplinary Core Ideas:
LS1.C: Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms
LS1.A: Structure and Function
LS3.B: Variation of Traits
LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans
Cross-Cutting Concepts:
- Patterns
- Structure and Function
What is a Shark Ray? Join marine biologist Scott Brehob as he explores the diet, habitat, anatomy and evolution of the Shark Ray.
The page is designed to give educators the neccessary tools to be able to guide their class through the wonderful world of the Shark Ray. Use the activities below to teach your class about the biology of these animals.
In Looking at Shark Rays, students explore some specific anatomical features of the shark ray. This activity was designed as a combination of visual, hands-on, and collaborative learning, providing 1-3 hours of programming.
Start by showing your class the included video on shark rays, followed by discussion of the material. Use the questions below to guide the conversation.
Conversation Starters:
Ask:
- What parts of the Shark Ray's body do you think are important?
- Shark Rays have a lot of fins. What do you think they do?
- Do you think Shark Rays are a rare animal? Why?
Standards:
2-LS4-1. Make observations of plants and animals to compare the
diversity of life indifferent habitats.
3-LS3-2. Use evidence to support the explanation that traits can be
influenced by the environment.
4-LS1-1. Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal
and external structures that function to support survival, growth,
behavior, and reproduction.
Science and Engineering Practices:
- Analyzing and Interpreting Data
- Developing and Using Models
- Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
- Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
- Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Disciplinary Core Ideas:
LS1.A: Structure and Function
LS3.B: Variation of Traits
LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans
Cross-Cutting Concepts:
- Patterns
- Structure and Function
Looking at Shark Rays
In “Shark Ray Anatomy Activity,” students explore the distinct anatomical features of the shark ray to gain greater understanding and appreciation for this rare creature. This activity was designed as a reading intensive and connection oriented program, providing 1-3 hours of programming.
Start by watching this short documentary on shark rays. After watching the video, discuss the following questions with the class.
Conversation Starters:
Ask:
- How do you think the shark ray came to look and act as it does?
- How could shark rays differ from you, adolescence, and adulthood?
- What defensive mechanisms do you think shark rays employ?
- What do you think a shark ray's diet consists of?
Standards:
1-LS3-1. Analyze and interpret data to provide evidence that plants
and animals have traits inherited from parents and that variation of
these traits exists in a group of similar organisms.
3-LS3-2. Use evidence to support the explanation that traits can be
influenced by the environment.
4-LS1-1. Construct an argument that plants and animals have internal
and external structures that function to support survival, growth,
behavior, and reproduction.
Science and Engineering Practices:
- Analyzing and Interpreting Data
- Developing and Using Models
- Planning and Carrying Out Investigations
- Constructing Explanations and Designing Solutions
- Obtaining, Evaluating, and Communicating Information
Disciplinary Core Ideas:
LS1.A: Structure and Function
LS1.B: Growth and Development of Organisms
LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans
Cross-Cutting Concepts:
- Patterns
- Structure and Function
Shark Ray Anatomy Activity
