Written by Vowery Dodd Carlile.

Imagine looking at Earth from outer space. Most of what you’d see would be blue. That is because Earth is covered with more water than land. Looking at the ocean, great amounts of water can be seen, but the most interesting part of the ocean lies beneath its surface. 



Under the ocean's surface are great mountain ranges, erupting volcanoes, deep trenches, and rainbow-colored coral reefs. What’s more, over 80 % of life on Earth exists in this watery environment. The ocean provides a large lab for scientists to explore. Yet only 10% of the ocean has been explored! Many more species of deep-sea animals are yet to be discovered. The oceans help scientists explain Earth’s history. In essence, the ocean is a wonderful place to investigate. 



Creative Experiences with Oceans is designed to help students in grades 3–5 explore the oceans in a creative way. Use it to introduce students to this fascinating and mysterious world. 


Grades 3–5. 



The lessons and activities in this book align with the following Common Core State Standards*: 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.3.2, 3.4, 3.5, 3.7, 3.8, 3.10; RI.3.1; SL.3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.6 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.4.2, 4.4, 4.5, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 4.10; RI.5.1; SL.4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.6 

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.W.5.2, 5.4. 5.5, 5.7, 5.8, 5.9, 5.10; RI.5.1; SL.5.1, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 5.6 



Ask and answer questions to demonstrate understanding of a text, referring explicitly to the text as the basis for the answers. 

Refer to details and examples in a text when explaining what the text says explicitly and when drawing inferences from the text. 




Conduct short research projects that build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic. 

Recall relevant information from experiences or gather relevant information from print and digital sources; take notes and categorize information, and provide a list of sources. 

Cite specific textual evidence to support analysis of texts. 

Determine the meaning of symbols, key terms, and other domain-specific words and phrases as they are used in a specific context. 

Write informative/explanatory texts to examine a topic and convey ideas and information clearly. 



Conduct short research projects that use several sources to build knowledge through investigation of different aspects of a topic. 



Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly. 

Summarize a written text read aloud or information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally. 

Summarize the points a speaker makes and explain how each claim is supported by reasons and evidence. 



Report on a topic or text or present an opinion, sequencing ideas logically and using appropriate facts and relevant, 



*Authors: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers 

Title: Common Core State Standards English Language Arts 

Publisher: National Governors Association Center for Best Practices, Council of Chief State School Officers, Washington, D.C. 

Copyright Date: 2010