Aquatic Animal Adventures explores aquatic habitats from ponds to the ocean and the animals along the Zoo's American Trail that call these habitats home. 

This virtual school program is part of Conservation Classroom, a collection of monthly lessons for K-5 students. Each lesson has four elements: wonder (video), engage (live virtual program), act (activities), and connect (video). Follow along with all four parts or pick and choose the videos and activities you want to explore. 

Grades:

K-5

Standards:

Supports NGSS K-LS1-1, K-ESS2-2, K-ESS3-1, 1-LS1-2, 2-LS4-1, 3-LS3-1, 3-LS3-2, 3-LS4-3, 4-LS1-1

Topics:

habitats, adaptations, waterways, aquatic mammals

Cost:

Free

Wonder

I wonder... how are aquatic mammals so good at living in and around water? Bring your curiosity along on an adventure to learn about aquatic habitats and aquatic mammal adaptations. 

Watch Video
A beaver with thick, wet fur, long claws and whiskers stands on its hind legs

Engage

In this free, live virtual program, students met aquatic and semi-aquatic mammals at the Zoo and learned about their unique adaptations for living in water. Access the recording to enjoy the program that aired on October 11, 2023. Recording includes English captions and ASL interpretation. 

Watch Recording
Examples of activity sheets on a blue background

Act

During or after the live program, check students' knowledge on aquatic adaptations in a quick matching activity (K-1). Then, create your own aquatic superhero (K-5) and send your drawings to us at nzp-education@si.edu.

Hojas de actividades disponibles en español: Superhéroe acuático. Comparta sus dibujos con nosotros en nzp-education@si.edu.

Adaptations Activity
Aquatic Superhero

Connect

Meet Vivian who knows all about aquatic environments. In her "unZOOsual" career, Vivian uses biology, chemistry, engineering and technology to keep the Zoo's aquatic habitats safe for our animals! 

Watch video

For Educators

Educator's Materials

Conservation Classroom: Aquatic Animal Adventures i­­s best suited for grades K-5. The full lesson consists of two videos, a live program, and two activities. Refer to the Smithsonian Learning Lab collection to help teach this lesson.

Letter to Guardians

After participating in the live program, print or send the following letter to guardians, explaining what their student learned in this lesson and how they can continue to engage from home.

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