Queen Conch Relay
Learning objectives/lesson goals:
Students will learn characteristics of some of the different animals of the coral reef.
Students will play a relay race matching facts and animals of the coral reef.

WHEREClassroom, Hallway and outside
WHOParent Volunteers, 7/8th grade students
MATERIALSA Swim Through The Sea by Joy Pratt
Ocean Animals and Facts Printout
Fact Cards
ACTIVITIES/LEARNING SEQUENCE1. Tell the students that they are going to take journey through the sea with a seahorse names Seamore.
2. Read the story on each page that is in BOLD print. Read the small print on the following pages: Angelfish, Blue Crabs, Clownfish, Eel, Grouper, Hermit Crab, Porcupine Fish, Queen Conch, Ray, Seahorse, Turtles, Zebrafish.
3. Ask students which animals they remember the most from the story.
4. Review any animals that weren’t mentioned.
5. Explain to students that they are going to play a relay game with the animals.
6. Divide the students into groups of 3. Each student gets a fact about one of the animals that we just read about. Give them 3 minutes to figure out with their partners what their card says and decide which animal it relates to hanging it the hallway or fence line! Then start the timer and have them hop, 1 team member at a time to match their fact to the picture.
7. When all the pictures are posted, check for accuracy. By having the students read all of the clues aloud.
8. Repeat the game and see if they can beat the clock by handing out the cards to different students.
Differentiation: how will you provide support for different learning abilities? For a complete list click here
Directions given in multiple ways (visual, auditory)
Give a list of information instead of relying on memory or note taking
Provide a summary of information or story
List of vocabulary words given
Use visuals/diagrams liberally
Use graphic organizers
Other: _________________________________________
Number and sequence steps and directions
Allow movement space
Give think time before asking for responses to a question
Check in for understanding of directions
Clear indication of expectations for behavior or work both written and given orally
Break tasks into chunks
Buddy system
NGSS Alignment
Full, more detailed outline of standards & progressions → NGSS Progressions
Earth Science
ESS3.B Natural hazards
Life Science
LS1.A Structure and function
LS1.B Growth and development of organisms
LS2.C - Ecosystem dynamics, functioning & resilience
LS2.D Social interactions and group behavior
Physical Science
PS1.A Structure of matter
Notes, Photos & other resources: