Lesson: Mysteries of the Octopus

Create a chart of octopus body structures and their functions.

• Share the SuperScience cover showing an octopus. Have students discuss the image with a partner and share what they observe. 
• Create a chart with two columns labeled “structure (body part)” and “function (what it does).” Working together, list some octopus body parts in the “structure” column and their purposes in the “function” column. (For example, eyes: vision; suckers: gripping.) Encourage students to list structures even if they are unsure of their functions.
• Watch “8 Extraordinary Facts About Octopuses.” Have students use what they learned to add to and revise the chart.

Read the article and explore statements about octopuses.

• Preview and read the article aloud to the class. Ask: What could be evidence of octopus intelligence? (e.g., building a wall with rocks or carrying a coconut to hide in.) How do these behaviors help octopuses survive? (The wall and the coconut help octopuses hide from predators.)
• Share the Always, Sometimes, Never skills sheet for students to evaluate statements about octopuses. Encourage students to refer to the article for evidence and discuss their responses as a class.

Complete a low-stakes quiz and describe the purpose of different octopus body structures.

• Preview the Quick Quiz. Have students complete it in pairs and discuss as a class. 
• Revisit the image of an octopus on pages 4-5. Together, update the class’s structure and function chart. Discuss how an octopus’s neurons (which sense the surroundings) and skin cells (which can change color and texture) work together to camouflage an octopus.

Gather evidence for an argument about whether an octopus is well-adapted for its environment.

• Preview the Built to Survive skills sheet and discuss the first row together. Then choose a structure to analyze in the next row. As a class, complete the second row, referring to the evidence they gathered from the text. (Note: Sample answers are included in the answer key.) Have students describe two more adaptations and then discuss their responses as a class.
• Construct a claim as a class in response to the concluding question. Let students discuss their evidence and reasoning before writing the rest of their argument.

Conduct research and present information about an octopus species and its adaptations.

• Share the skills sheet Octopus Deep Dive with students. Preview sources of printed and/or digital information. Students can work in pairs or small groups to prepare, practice, and deliver their presentations.

⇨ Learning Extension:

• What would a superhero based on the incredible octopus look like and act like? Create a superhero inspired by octopuses. Draw your superhero, give them a name, and explain how they use their superpowers to help others.