Trade Book: Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist

Summary from Goodreads:

At 9 years old, Eugenie Clark developed an unexpected passion for sharks after a visit to the Battery Park Aquarium in New York City. At the time, sharks were seen as mindless killing machines, but Eugenie knew better and set out to prove it. Despite many obstacles in her path, Eugenie was able to study the creatures she loved so much. From her many discoveries to the shark-related myths she dispelled, Eugenie’s wide scientific contributions led to the well-earned nickname “Shark Lady.”

How to Use Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist by Jess Keating in the Classroom:

• Have students learn more about Eugenie Clark.
• Check out this activity book for Shark Lady.
• Have students visit Wonderopolis so they can explore what marine biologists do, how many teeth sharks have, and what is the largest shark.
• Students could could research the structure and function of sharks’ different body parts and explain how these body parts help them survive, grow, and meet their needs.
• Students could make a claim about why sharks are important to their ecosystem.
• Watch Explore.org’s Shark Cam on Youtube.
• Encourage students to obtain information from Shark Lady, other books in the library, high-quality websites, and other media sources to communicate scientific ideas about sharks and other marine animals.
  • Students could extend their learning to discuss the roles of these living things in their ecosystem(s).
• Visit the author’s website or chat with her on Twitter.
  • She loves pictures and interacting with kids and teachers on Twitter. I follow her, and she really is awesome.

Have you read Use Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist with your students or child? How have you used this book beyond reading comprehension?