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!
1
0
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.
2
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?
3
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
LEGO, the LEGO logo, and LEGOLAND are trademarks of the LEGO Group. ©2017 The LEGO Group.
LEGOLAND and SEA LIFE are part of Merlin Entertainments plc.
4
Top Related