Squid Dissection Teacher Resource Guide

Grades 3-6

Contents

Introduction ……………………….…1

Background Information.…….……......2

Adaptation Scavenger Hunt..….……...3

Science Standards..……………………4

Welcome to

SEA LIFE® Aquarium at

LEGOLAND® California Resort!

Arrival and Entry

Please arrive 30 minutes before your program.

Teachers and chaperones must be present

during the staff-facilitated 45-minute program.

Safety

To have the best adventure possible, please

abide by all safety precautions posted and given

by our staff.

Additional Information

For information on SEA LIFE® Aquarium and

our education programs, visit

www.visitsealife.com

Directions

From Interstate 5

Buses: Exit Palomar Airport Road East.

Turn LEFT onto The Crossings Drive, and LEFT

into the LEGOLAND® parking lot.

Cars: Exit Cannon Road East and turn RIGHT on

LEGOLAND Drive.

FUN FACT

Over 300 types of squid exist, including the giant squid,

which can grow to almost 1000 pounds!

Educational Objectives

Dissect a real squid using kid safe

equipment

Learn the appropriate tools needed

for the investigation

Compare and contrast the external

and internal anatomy

Critically examine the specialized

structures that allow squid to

survive in the open ocean

Explore squid hunting methods

Review characteristics of

Invertebrates

Write your name in squid ink!

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Background Information

Squid: From the Inside Out

Family Ties

Squid belong to Phylum Mollusca, which also

includes the gastropods (snails) and bivalves

such as clams. Squid differ from other

mollusks by the lack of an outer shell. Their

body is composed of a soft outer section and

an inner shell. Squid also belong to a group of

animals called Cephalopods. Squid emerged

during the Cambrian period 500 million years

ago. At that time, thousands of types of

Cephalopods existed; this has decreased to the

four remaining Cephalopods that exist today,

squid, nautilus, octopus, and cuttlefish.

The Cold Hard World

Squid have many adaptations to survive in the marine environment. This versatility allows them to survive

from the deep sea to surface waters in coastal areas. Squid range in size from one inch to over 65 feet!

The body consists of eight arms and two tentacles. The tentacles are longer than the arms and are used

for catching and grasping prey. Rows of suckers line the arms, and suction cups are only present on the

tips of the tentacles. Some squid even have claw-like hooks to combine power with the suckers! The

mouth is in the center of the arms and a beak aids in capturing prey.

Brain Power

Cephalopods are regarded as one of the most intelligent invertebrates and have a well-developed brain.

Some Cephalopods are even capable of solving complex problems and believed to have long-term

memory. When compared to other fish, the squid brain is well developed in proportion to the body size.

In addition, the nervous system is also well developed.

Hands-On Activities

Dive into the underwater world of Cephalopods!

Explore this invertebrate’s anatomy as you explore

from the inside out!

Gather with the SEA LIFE® Aquarium staff to discuss

the Cephalopod world.

In groups, locate and identify major external and

internal features and organs of a squid.

Understand and use basic dissection techniques and

terms.

Critically examine the functions of several squid

features and organs and their adaptations.

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Adaptation Scavenger Hunt As you walk through SEA LIFE® Aquarium, be on the lookout for animal adaptations.

Can you find the answers to the questions below?

1. The main defense for an octopus is to hide from predators. Secondary defenses include

changing the color and texture of their skin, ejecting a thick cloud of ink, or swimming away

quickly. Like squid, octopus use jet propulsion to move if they feel threatened.

Observe the Giant Pacific Octopus.

Is it using jet propulsion?

2. Octopuses can change the color and texture of their

body to match the surroundings. Observe the Giant

Pacific Octopus. Is it using camouflage? Does its

appearance change as you watch?

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3. Sharks have different kinds of teeth depending on

where they find food and what they eat. Compare

mouths on the Zebra sharks and the Reef sharks.

What kinds of food would they eat? Where are the

mouths located? Watch our dive show to find out!

5. Seahorses can also change color to match their surroundings. In addition, they have a

prehensile tail to help them hold on to their environment. Observe the Pacific Seahorse in the

Kingdom of the Seahorse. What animal does their tail look like?

4. Rays have flat bodies that allow them to

camouflage in their surroundings. Their mouth and

gills are found under their body, but they also have

spiracles (holes) on their head to help them breathe

if they are on the ocean floor. Pick a ray to watch in

the Ray Lagoon. Can you locate the ray’s mouth

when it swims by? Can you find its spiracles?

THIRD GRADE

Life Sciences 3-LS1-1 Describe that organisms have unique and diverse life cycles but all have in common birth,

growth, reproduction and death.

LS-1.B: Growth and Development of Organisms

Reproduction is essential to the continued existence of every kind of organisms. Animals have unique

and diverse life cycles.

3-LS2- Some animals form groups to help members survive.

LS2.D: Social Interactions and Group Behavior

Being a part of a group helps animals obtain food, defend themselves and cope with changes. Groups

may serve different functions and vary dramatically in size.

3-LS4-2. Variations in characteristics among individuals of the same species may provide advantages in

surviving, finding mates, and reproducing.

3-LS4-3 In a particular habitat some organisms can survive well, some survive less well and some

cannot survive at all.

FOURTH GRADE

Life Sciences 4-LS1-Animals have internal and external structures that function to support survival, growth,

behavior and reproduction.

FIFTH GRADE

Life Sciences LS2.A Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems

Organisms are related in food webs in which some animals eat plants for food and other animals eat

the animals that eat plants. Organisms can only survive in environments in which their particular needs

are met. A healthy ecosystem is one in which multiple species of different types are each able to meet

the needs in a relatively stable web of life.

SIXTH GRADE

Life Sciences MS-LS1-4. Characteristic animal behaviors affect the probability of successful reproduction of animals.

LS2.B: Food webs demonstrate how matter and energy are transferred between producers,

consumers and decomposers.

Next Generation

Science Standards

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LEGOLAND and SEA LIFE are part of Merlin Entertainments plc.

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