Sea turtles are fascinating creatures that can help inspire students to learn about a variety of subjects including biology, ecology, conservation, geography, and cultures. 

Our sea turtle lessons are:

• Developed by teachers

• Geared towards grades K - 12

• Fulfill national educational standards

• Equipped with printable worksheets

• Free to download and share

K-2nd Grade

Like the Kemp’s ridley, the smallest sea turtle species, our K-2nd grade lessons are designed with our smallest students in mind. Students will explore the difference between turtles and tortoises by examining body parts, habitat, and diet. Students will then be introduced to the 7 species of sea turtles while covering topics including life cycles, structure & function, habitats, and how organisms interact with their environment. They will also tie together their art and science skills as the learn to color like ‘scientists.’

3rd-5th Grade

3rd-5th grade students will enjoy diving into learning about the 7 species of sea turtles. Students be introduced to concepts including adaptations and how body structures function to support survival, growth, behavior, and reproduction. Using sea turtles as a model they will dive into life cycles. They will also explore how nutrients and energy cycle through the environment using sea turtles as a model species. Students will investigate threats faced by sea turtles and solutions for how to address these issues.

6th-8th Grade

Students in 6-8th grade will take learning into their own hands as they research each of the 7 species of sea turtles. They will investigate general characteristics, habitats, nesting behavior, migration information, population trends, and interesting facts. Further lessons will examine topics including adaptations and food webs using sea turtles as a model species. Students will also explore threats faced by sea turtles by working through realistic scenarios from which they will develop an advocacy project.

9th-12th Grade

Like the Leatherback, the oldest and largest sea turtle species, our 9-12th grade lessons are designed for our senior most students. Students will research sea turtles habitats, endangered species status, migration routes, and population trends. They will then have the opportunity to practice their public speaking skills as they present their research projects. Additional lessons will examine topics including adaptations, food webs, plastic pollution, and real world threats faced by sea turtles.