Classify this: Deep Sea
Key stage: 2 and 3
Summary: This PowerPoint introduces the topic of classification of animals using deep sea
creatures as examples. Pupils will learn from this lesson:
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How to classify deep sea organisms by focusing on the key features
Examples of deep sea organisms
Activity:
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Ask students to write down any deep sea organisms they think of and ask a few pupils to
read one or two answers out. Comment on if they are correct.
Crustacean key features and give examples. A crustacean has an exoskeleton, stalked eyes,
hinged joints and antennae. For example, lobsters and edible crabs.
Name the examples and ask if the children to point out key features. Spiny King Crab; about
35cm. Stalked Barnacles; found in deep water, stalk helps them to attach to surfaces. Giant
Isopod; bottom dwellers, brown or pale lilac in colour and can grow up to 36cm
Mollusc key features and give examples. A mollusc has a soft body and normally a hard shell.
For example mussels and octopus.
Name the examples and ask if the children can see any of the key features in the
photographs. Deep Sea Scallop; found in gravel and sandy beds and are caught for food. Sea
Angel; can be 5cm long, translucent and feed on sea butterflies
Cnidaria key features which are a soft body with stinging tentacles. For example jelly fish and
sea anemones
Name the example photographs. Moon Jellyfish; can grow up to 45cm, pale blue or pink in
colour and found in coastal waters. Red Paper Lantern Jellyfish; has between 14 – 30
tentacles, found at depths of 450-900m, Inside the transparent hood is a deep red coloured
mantle that can crumple up or expand like a paper lantern.
Explain what Echinoderms are and explain their features which are tube feet and five part
body plan (five arms) with no obvious head and an exoskeleton. For example a starfish.
Show the examples photographs and ask the children to point out the key features. Basket
Star; 5 or more arms arranged around a central disc, can curl themselves into a tight ball
when they are threatened or disturbed, may be under an inch in size. Sea Cucumber; tiny
tube feet, considered a food delicacy and there are over 500 species. Brisingid Starfish;
between 6 and 16 arms used for suspension feeding and are found in exposed locations.
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Explain that Annelids are segmented worms
Show the examples. Acorn worm; can be up to 8 inches, they burrow into sand and are
preyed upon by fish. Scale worm; they are usually quite small and can be found all over the
place, from tide pools to the deep sea and hydrothermal vents. Polychaete Worm; smaller
than 10cm, have bristles on their bodies and found in tubes and burrows in sand and mud.
Explain the key features of fish which are that they breathe through gills and have fins.
Show the examples and ask if anyone can identify them then reveal the answers.
Classification game. Give every pupil a piece of paper and ask them to write down what
they think the picture is and what group it belongs to.
Allow 20 seconds for each slide so pupils can write down answers
Reveal the correct answers and ask how many correct answers pupils got. Go through any
deep sea creature pupils found confusing to identify.