About This Lesson
This Is the Ocean dives deep into the wonders of our planet’s largest ecosystem—introducing young readers to the powerful forces, tiny creatures, and fascinating food webs that keep the ocean alive.
Designed for students in grades 1–5, this Teacher’s Guide brings the book’s big ideas to life through hands-on, NGSS-aligned activities that spark curiosity and critical thinking. With a strong focus on food chains, survival strategies, and the vital role of phytoplankton, students will explore how energy flows from the Sun to the smallest producers and all the way up to whales and sharks.
Each activity encourages students to observe, analyze, create, and communicate—building both scientific literacy and environmental awareness. As students design plankton, build food chains, and explore survival behaviors, they’ll gain a deeper understanding of how ocean life is interconnected—and why it’s worth protecting.
Whether you’re teaching in a classroom, homeschooling, or looking to enrich a marine science unit, this guide offers accessible lessons and creative discussion prompts to engage learners and inspire ocean stewardship.
Let’s make waves in science learning—one phytoplankton at a time!
