Ocean Zoo Keeper Slides
Grade 1 GT • Animal Nation • Lesson 2.4
Official Field Training
Zoo Keeper Cadet Training Camp
Ocean Animal
Zoo Keeper Training
Investigate ocean species, gather field evidence, and earn your official Zoo Keeper license!
Details
Look closely
Big Questions
Stay curious
Expert Words
Scientist vocabulary
Mission 0 • Zoo Keeper Curiosity
Warm-Up Discussion
At the Marine Exhibit
What does a zoo keeper need to know before caring for an animal?
Could you protect and feed a giant sea creature if you knew nothing about its home or diet?
Sentence Stem 1
"I think zoo keepers need to know ________."
Sentence Stem 2
"I notice ________."
Sentence Stem 3
"I wonder ________."
Cadet Rule: Before you can care for an animal, you must become an expert!
Turn & Talk with a Partner
Language of the Discipline • Part 1
Scientist Vocabulary
Words Real Zoo Keepers Use Every Day
Zoo Keeper
A trained person who cares for, protects, and feeds animals.
"Our class is training today!"
Habitat
The natural home or environment where an animal lives and survives.
"Coral reef, deep sea, river"
Characteristic
A special feature or physical trait of an animal (fins, spikes, gills).
"Flipper, tentacle, dorsal fin"
Next: 3 more scientific words to unlock!
Language of the Discipline • Part 2
Scientist Vocabulary
Thinking Like Marine Biologists
Adaptation
A special trait or body design that helps an animal stay alive.
"Puffing up big to scare foes"
Evidence
True facts and clues from photos or books that prove our ideas.
"The photo proves sharp teeth"
Research
Finding reliable information in books and cards to answer questions.
"Our 6 research stations!"
Can you use evidence in a sentence right now?
Anchor Chart
5-Step Investigation Method
How Do Zoo Keepers Research Animals?
1
Observe
Look closely at animal photographs.
2
Read
Read books and fact cards carefully.
3
Details
Spot important body and habitat clues.
4
Ask
Ask questions about how it survives.
5
Record
Write evidence into your journal.
Remember: Good researchers gather clues from both pictures and words!
Teacher Model • Think-Aloud
Watch & Listen to the Method
Sample Specimen
Green Sea Turtle
Research bin evidence card preview
📷 Photograph Evidence:
Large paddle flippers, hard smooth shell, swimming underwater.
📄 Fact Card Evidence:
Eats seagrass and algae in coastal reefs.
Sources checked: Photo + Card
Cadet Thought 1 • Habitat
"I see this animal lives in warm ocean water and swims near coral reefs."
Cadet Thought 2 • Characteristics
"The photograph shows long, paddle-like flippers that help it glide."
Cadet Thought 3 • Diet
"The fact card tells me it eats seagrass and algae with beak-like jaws."
Did the teacher guess? No! Every thought came straight from the evidence!
Training Missions 1 – 5
Journal Missions
What Will You Record at Each Station?
🏠
Mission 1
Habitat
Where does this animal live?
"My animal lives in..."
🍎
Mission 2
Diet
What does this animal eat?
"My animal eats..."
🔍
Mission 3
Features
What special traits does it have?
"My animal has..."
⭐
Mission 4
Survival
How does it protect itself?
"My animal survives by..."
🎉
Mission 5
WOW Fact
One amazing surprising detail!
"WOW! I learned..."
Complete one mission in your Ocean Animal Research Journal at each station! 5 Minutes Per Station
Research Stations • Station Map
5-Minute Rotation Chime
Explore the 6 Marine Research Stations
1
Station 1
Pink River Dolphin
Freshwater wonder
2
Station 2
Giant Pacific Octopus
Master of camouflage
3
Station 3
Hammerhead Shark
360-degree hunter
4
Station 4
Sea Otter
Kelp forest builder
5
Station 5
Pufferfish
Defense specialist
6
Station 6
Leafy Sea Dragon
Ocean illusionist
Bin contents: Book / Video
Animal & Habitat Photos
Secret Fact Card
Check for Mastery • 5-10 Minutes
Exit Ticket Reflection
Zoo Keeper Field Log Reflection
Complete your thoughts in your journal, then share one discovery with your partner!
Prompt 1 • Favorite Specimen
"The most interesting ocean animal was ________________________."
Prompt 2 • New Knowledge
"I learned ________________________________________________."
Prompt 3 • Unanswered Question
"One question I still have is ________________________________."
Listen respectfully to your partner's discovery! Cadet Discussion Protocol
End Product • Certification
Official Zoo Keeper License
Animal Nation Certification
Official Ocean Animal Zoo Keeper
Awarded to Cadets who completed all research missions, gathered authentic evidence, and mastered scientific vocabulary!
Cadet Reflection Prompt
"If I were an ocean zoo keeper, which animal would I most want to care for and why?"
Support your choice with at least one scientific characteristic, habitat, or adaptation you researched today!
Ready for Future Presentations!
Congratulations, Official Marine Zoo Keepers! Animal Nation • Grade 1 GT
