Students will build foundational knowledge of ocean systems, notice how changes affect ocean life, and listen to sixth-grade buddies to understand what future exhibit visitors need to know about protecting the ocean.

Students will study animals across ocean zones, research one animal with a partner, and use evidence and audience needs to define a clear ocean-protection design challenge.

Students will investigate whale species, identify messages in ocean literature, write an illustrated whale report, and construct a whale-to-scale model. They will use this evidence and previously gathered audience needs to generate, critique, revise, and select advocacy ideas that answer, “How can we learn about ocean animals and habitats so we can help protect them?”

Students will create initial drafts of a written report, recorded oral report, and advocacy poster by assigning one animal, one whale, and one habitat to the three formats. They will use ocean-system evidence, expert observations, visual supports, and structured peer feedback to prepare a complete draft package for later testing and revision.

Students will test their ocean animal reports, advocacy pamphlets, 3D-animal habitat designs, and oral explanations with classmates and sixth-grade buddies. They will collect visual and verbal evidence about scientific accuracy, message clarity, audience needs, and whether their work helps answer, “How can we learn about ocean animals and habitats so we can help protect them?” Students will make one test revision and organize feedback for the next critique phase.

Students will use ocean-content criteria and audience needs to critique their reports, pamphlets, 3D animal habitats, and advocacy messages. They will exchange feedback with classmates and sixth-grade buddies, make evidence-based revisions, and document how critique strengthened their response to the essential question.

Students will prepare and host an Ocean Action Museum, explain how ocean systems and threats connect, improve their advocacy messages through peer and sixth-grade buddy feedback, and document their learning and next steps for a library display.