World Ocean Day is Coming! JUNE 8th

Click here for the free worksheet:

https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/World-Oceans-Day-is-June-8th-Ocean-Fun-FactsInteractive-Notebook-Activity-3815482

Exploring the Ocean Blue: Fun Facts about the oceans of the Earth. Share some of these amazing facts with family and friends!

1. Coral has been used to repair bones in humans!

2. Blue Whales can weigh as much as 30 elephants and are as long as three Greyhound buses! Its heart is about the size of a Volkswagen! 

3. Basket Starfish has the most arms of any sea life... 80,000!

4. The highest wave ever recorded hit near Lituya Glacier in Alaska in 1958. It was 1740 ft. high!

5. Wondering how many marine species exist? According to World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), at least 212,906! 

6. Scientists say the jellyfish is older than the dinosaurs, dating back at least 650 million years ago!

7. Did you know that a dolphin sleeps with one eye open and with only half its brain.

8. The highest tides occur in the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia,Canada, reaching 53 ft. high!

9. The Ring of Fire located in the Pacific Ocean is the largest zone of active volcanoes on the sea floor. 75% of the world's volcanoes are here!

10. There are 25,000 islands in the Pacific Ocean!

11. On April 17, 2013, a bottle washed up on the shores of a beach in the country of Croatia. It had been thrown into the sea in Nova Scotia, Canada....4000 miles away! Scientists say it probably traveled 5x that in its 28 years at sea!

12. Great Britain(2013) is building the world's largest wave farm. It will power about 30,000 homes.

13. A fish thought be be extinct for 60 million years was caught alive by fisherman off the southern coast of Africa in 1938. Called a coelacanth, the fish has been around for 300 million years.

14. If you measure the tallest mountain from the sea floor up, Mt. Everest isn't the record holder.! The highest mountain would be Mauna Kea, in Hawaii. It is 33,474 ft from the ocean floor but only 13, 680 ft. above sea level.

15. Need light? An electric eels can make enough electricity to run about 10 light bulbs!

16. The longest mountain range on Earth is found in the Atlantic Ocean,from Antarctica to Iceland!

17. There is so much salt in the ocean that if all the salt was dried and collect, it would cover all the continents with 5 ft. of salt!

18. There is enough gold in the world's oceans for each person on the planet to have almost nine pounds of gold!

19. You can see the world's largest reef, the Great Barrier Reef,in Australia,(1616 miles long) from outer space!

20. The earth has an estimated 315,000 miles of coastlines...that's enough miles to go 12 times around the Equator! 

Your Turn:

1. Illustrate one of the factoids. Write a sentence explaining your drawing.

2. What are three reasons the oceans of the world are important to us?

3. Scientists say there are FIVE oceans covering our planet. The Southern Ocean has been added. It is also known as the Antarctic Ocean. Name ONE fact about each of the other 4 oceans.

4. Have you ever visited an ocean?____________ Pretend you are at the ocean. Write a paragraph describing what you see, hear, smell and feel.

5. Why do you think there is a World Oceans Day?

Teachers:
Additional Links of Interest:
http://www.worldoceansday.org

http://www.sciencekids.co.nz/sciencefacts/earth/oceans.html

https://www.kids-world-travel-guide.com/ocean-facts-for-kids.html

http://www.marine.usf.edu/pjocean/packets/f98/f98u1le1.pdf (lots of information including reasons why oceans are important)

The ocean is a place which brings tranquility and so many great memories of growing up and going to the Jersey Shore for family vacations. I remember learning to surf(wasn't very good at it) and my sister and I could stay in the ocean for hours! My husband and I still enjoy getting a chance to visit the Jersey Shore and family members both at Long Beach Island and Cape May.

World Oceans Day is June 8th. Learn about the Oceans of the world with this web quest: Exploring the Ocean Blue: A Web quest, will introduce students to our oceans. There are nine informative web questions. Fun Facts, comprehension questions,extension activities and links are also provided as is the key. Can be used as part of a unit on oceans, for Earth Day, World Ocean Day or as an activity for a Friday, before a vacation break or as an end of the year activity. This can be a one day class resource or used for a couple of days depending on whether the activities(creative writing/art work/online simulation games, etc.) are used with the students: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Oceans-Exploring-the-Ocean-Blue-A-WebquestExtension-Activities-705943

I also have a Reader's Theater Script on Jacques Cousteau you may find of interest(part of my Ms. Bie Ografee Talk Show series of plays): https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Jacques-Cousteau-A-Readers-Theater-Script-2458467

Arctic Explorers Stranded at the North Pole!

Two women explorers, Sunniva Sorby and Hilde Falumn Strom, have been conducting science experiments at the Arctic for about eight months. The first females to ever solo winter at the North Pole, they were due to come home May 8th. However because of world shut down due to the virus, their ship that was to come pick them up and take them home, did not come.

So, Sorby and Strom, remain, using a  1930s trapper’s cabin, as they have done for now 9 months. Their cabin has no running water or electricity. It is also small, just 215 sq. feet. Although there is still food, the women have begun to ration it, not knowing when they will be going home. They think it will not be until the end of the summer when that will happen. The women also brought along, Ettra, a dog.

Co-founders of an organization called The Hearts in the Ice, Sorby and Strom  continue to do their scientific testing, collecting data on the weather and wildlife. They drill to take ice core samples to determine the microscopic life that lives in the sea ice. 

During the winter months, when temps went below zero, it took about 15 minutes just to don the twenty pounds of clothing needed to go outside. During the winter months, there was also complete darkness for 90 days. 

In addition to their scientific work, they need to collect ice for water and firewood that has drifted from Siberia and can be found along the shorelines. Fortunately, they have wind and solar power and technology to keep in contact with the outside world. 

The women also had to deal with hurricanes. And, there are polar bears nearby and it has been a worry that their wooden hut would not be sturdy enough to protect them, should the polar bears  decide to be more aggressive. The closest humans are about 87 miles away. There are Arctic fox , about 23 reindeer and seals in the area. Birds include auks and white ptarmigan.

YOUR TURN:

1. What would you miss the most being on an expedition to the Arctic for 8 months?

2. Pretend you are either Sunniva Sorby or Hilde Falumn Strom. Write a diary entry about a day at the Arctic. What are you doing? What are you thinking? What do you see? Etc.

3. What would be the very first thing you would do on return to your home from the Arctic Expedition?

4. What are 2 facts you know about the Arctic area of the world?

You can read their blog postings at this link: https://www.heartsintheice.com/blog/

Photograph from their website: heartsintheice.com

Learn about the Arctic with this informative web quest: Geographical webquest which introduces kids to the region of the Earth known as the Arctic. There are 14 web quests(with lots of information in the questions), Did You Know? facts, comprehension questions(including several "thought question"), a teacher page with a number of extension activities, additional links and key: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Arctic-Learn-about-the-ArcticWebquest-Distance-Learning-2889672

Learn about polar bears: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Polar-Bears-A-Webquest-604797

May 20th is World BEE DAY!

World Bee Day is May 20. 

The theme for 2020 is BEE Engaged.

In 2018, the United Nations designated May 20th as World Bee Day.

It is estimated that 75% of the veggies, fruits and nuts in the USA are pollinated by bees! Check here to see some of the foods that are dependent on pollination.  https://bees.techno-science.ca/english/bees/pollination/food-depends-on-bees.php

Here are some helpful links:

Diagram: https://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/insects/bee/Honeybeecoloring.shtml

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4HwyYxm6gU

Short Bee video

https://www.edenproject.com/sites/default/files/pollination.pdf

https://bees.techno-science.ca/english/bees/pollination/default.php

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9zZ48jJZyk importance of bees

https://www.coolkidfacts.com/bee-facts/

https://worldbeeday.org/en/

DID YOU KNOW?

1. There are approximately 20,000 species of bees.

2. Scientists have found that bees have personalities. Some are shy, some are adventurous!

3. Bees have a navigational system, a type of natural compass which helps them stay on course by using the sun and polarized light.

4.Did you know that a bee’s wing beats about 190-230 times a second?

5. Bees can find “their hive” because each hive has a distinct smell.

6. With two stomachs, a bee places nectar in one and the food it eats in another.

7. Bees are able to recognize faces!

*Illustrations from http://www.fao.org/world-bee-day/en/  and WPClipart.com

May 15th is Endangered Species Day!

Click here for free downloadable version: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Endangered-Species-a-FREEBIE-Handout-5554899

In 2020, Endangered Species Day is May 15. Held the 3rd Friday in May, it is a day for creating awareness to the different creatures of the planet whose population is dwindling. It is a day to encourage people to work to save these creatures from going extinct.

Some creatures on the endangered species list include:

Blue Whale, Lemur, Javan Rhino, Mountain Gorilla, Black Rhino, Loggerhead Sea Turtle, Siberian Tiger, Komodo Dragon, Golden Lion Tamarin and the Northern Bald Ibis.

1. What are two reasons for species declining on our planet?

2. If you could save two of the creatures on the endangered species list from extinction, which two would you select? WHY?

3. What might be some factors people might use to determine which creatures to save? For example, why might people in the USA want to protect the Bald Eagle? Why might some people want to protect the mountain gorilla over the Santa Catalina Island Rattlesnake? Other creatures such as the giraffe and elephant(ie:Sumatran Elephant) are on the endangered list. Why might some people select one creature to save over another?

4. Extinct is forever. Some creatures that no longer exist on the planet include the Passenger Pigeon, DoDo bird, Tasmanian tiger, Pinta Island tortoise(the last one,Lonesome George, died in 2015)and the Caribbean Monk Seal. You may find this link of interest: https://www.rd.com/culture/animals-extinct-last-100-years/ Research an extinct creature and draw a picture, including 4 facts learned. Include what caused their extinction.

5. Watch a short video on 10 animals that MAY go extinct in the next few years: https://www.thoughtco.com/recently-extinct-animals-1092157 Write a paragraph on one of the animals.

6. This Endangered Species Coloring Book has lots of information on the topic: https://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/2013-08/documents/cbook.pdf Write 4 facts learned from the text of information.

7. Lots of information for kids on Endangered and extinct species. https://www.activewild.com/endangered-animals-facts-for-kids/

8. Many butterflies are on the endangered list: This website has some of the most endangered butterflies: https://butterflywebsite.com/endangered-butterflies.cfm
In the USA, more than 20 butterflies and moths are endangered. https://www.saveourmonarchs.org/blog/10-endangered-butterflies   What do you think is the main cause of the dwindling population of butterflies?  The famed Monarch Butterfly (2019) may soon be added to the endangered species list.(2019) https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/decision-on-monarch-butterfly-endangered-species-protection-extended-2019-05-24/

9. The Endangered Species Act(1973) helped some creatures' populations increase including the California Condor and Bald Eagle. There are about 1600 creatures in the USA currently protected by this act which was signed by President Richard Nixon.  Donald Trump(2019) plans to change the Endangered Species Act, lessening regulations.  Why do you think Donald Trump wants to do this? Who do you think is helped if there are less regulations to protect species?

Did You Know?

1. Did you know that 50% of the endangered species of the Earth live in the rainforest, esp. the Amazon Rain forest, the world largest?

2. The Vaquita is the most endangered porpoise in the world. It is believed that less than 20 are still alive. Its name means “little cow” in Spanish.

3. Thanks to conservation efforts, the panda is no longer on the endangered list(2016).

4. Did you know that the polar bear is on the endangered list? One of the main reasons is the warming temperatures has caused a decrease in the sea ice. Polar bears use sea ice to hunt one of their favorite foods, the seal.

5. The continent of Asia has the most endangered species.

6. The IUCN Red List compiles a list of endangered species. There are  16,306 endangered species as of 2019. Source: https://www.endangeredearth.com/threatened-by-country/

7. Many butterflies are on the endangered list: This website has some of the most endangered butterflies: https://butterflywebsite.com/endangered-butterflies.cfm

In the USA, more than 20 butterflies and moths are endangered. https://www.saveourmonarchs.org/blog/10-endangered-butterflies   What do you think is the main cause for the decreasing population of butterflies?  The famed Monarch Butterfly (2019) may soon be added to the endangered species list.(2019) https://biologicaldiversity.org/w/news/press-releases/decision-on-monarch-butterfly-endangered-species-protection-extended-2019-05-24/ List 4 facts about the monarch butterfly.Draw a picture of a monarch butterfly.

8. The Endangered Species Act(1973) helped some creatures' populations increase including the California Condor and Bald Eagle. There are about 1600 creatures in the USA currently protected by this act which was signed by President Richard Nixon. Pres. Donald Trump(2019) plans to change the Endangered Species Act, lessening regulations.  Why do you think Donald Trump wants to do this? Who do you think is helped if there are less regulations to protect species?

This is a great way to remember the causes for the decreasing populations of creatures on our planet:

The mnemonic HIPPO represents the five major causes of declining wildlife biodiversity:

    H - Habitat Loss

    I - Invasive Species

    P - Pollution and Pesticides

    P - Population Growth (human) and the Pet Trade

    O - Over-hunting and Over-collecting

From: https://www.worldanimalfoundation.com/wild-earth/endangered-species/

Links:

A. What can YOU do to help endangered species? https://www.endangered.org/15-ways-to-help-protect-endangered-species/

B. https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/endangered-species/

C. https://www.iucnredlist.org

D. https://www.conserve-energy-future.com/most-endangered-species-on-earth.php

E. http://worldanimalfoundation.com

Check out these resources on Endangered Species:

1. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Rhinosaurus-Rotund-Rhinos-A-Webquest-698938
2. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Polar-Bears-A-Webquest-604797
3. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/ElephantsOn-SafariA-Webquest-610125
4. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Leopards-Leaping-Leopard-Webquest-848064
5. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Giraffe-Learn-all-about-Giraffes-Internet-Activity-2924515

Leprechaun Day is MAY 13th!

Did You Know? 

1. Leprechaun Day is May 13th(YES...there is such a day!)

2. The National Leprechaun Museum in Dublin, Ireland, is dedicated to the folklore and mythology of Ireland.  

3. The legend of leprechauns dates back as far as the 8th century.

4. In Irish folklore, there are only male leprechauns. 

5. The origin of the word leprechaun may have been “lobaircin”, meaning “small bodied fellow.” 

6. Leprechauns love to dance the jig and wear out  shoes very quickly. Leprechauns are cobblers, or shoe makers. They always carry a tiny hammer for shoe making.

7. “Faeriefolk” live underground, deeply burrowed in caves. The entrances to their caves are usually hidden by rabbit holes or under old tree stumps. 

8. There is a place in Ireland, Carlingford, where someone says they once spotted leprechauns. The Slieve Foy Loop Trail, near the Carlingford Mountains, is protected land. Signs remind hikers to walk softly as it is a heavily populated leprechaun area!

9. The only park of its kind in the world dedicated to leprechauns. is found in Portland, Oregon. Actually, it is also the world’s smallest park, only 2 ft. wide. It was officially named a city park back in 1976. Called Mill Ends Park, it was actually where a light pole was supposed to go but never did. There is a tiny tree in this teeny park. 

Check out this resource: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/LeprechaunsSt-Patricks-DayIreland-A-Readers-Theater-Script-2315668   This fun/informative play has Ms. Bie Ografee's guest being McSean, a leprechaun. McSean is asked questions by the studio audience about the country of Ireland and the long Irish folklore about leprechauns. Great for a unit on folk stories/folklore or as an activity around St. Patrick's Day. The play has 11 questioners, a Did You Know? section, comprehension questions, a teacher page with extension activities and links as well as the key.

Learn about the country of Ireland!

Learn about the country of Ireland: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/St-Patricks-Day-Ireland-Webquest-and-Activities-517483