Use this lesson when discussing animal ecosystems, habitats, or other environmental TEKs. This lesson can be used as part of a larger local theme i.e. Oceans Week. It can also be used for a octopus themed day. The duration of this lesson can vary based on student and teacher needs.
Students will be able to learn about one of the most interesting animals found in saltwater habitats, the octopus. They will create an art project using their knowledge.
K.10(B) identify basic parts of plants and animals
K.10(A) sort plants and animals into groups based on physical characteristics such as color, size, body covering, or leaf shape
1.9(B) analyze and record examples of interdependence found in various situations such as terrariums and aquariums or pet and caregiver
1.10(A) investigate how the external characteristics of an animal are related to where it lives, how it moves, and what it eats
2.10(A) observe, record, and compare how the physical characteristics and behaviors of animals help them meet their basic needs
2.10(B) observe, record, and compare how the physical characteristics of plants help them meet their basic needs such as stems carry water throughout the plant
2.10(C) investigate and record some of the unique stages that insects such as grasshoppers and butterflies undergo during their life cycle
K.3(B) use illustrations and texts the student is able to read or hear to learn or clarify word meanings
K.5(B) generate questions about text before, during, and after reading to deepen understanding and gain information with adult assistance
K.5(E) make connections to personal experiences, ideas in other texts, and society with adult assistance
1.9(D) recognize characteristics and structures of informational text, including: (ii) features and simple graphics to locate or gain information
1.6(C) make and correct or confirm predictions using text features, characteristics of genre, and structures with adult assistance
2.6(B) generate questions about text before, during, and after reading to deepen understanding and gain information
2.6(I) monitor comprehension and make adjustments such as re‐reading, using background knowledge, checking for visual cues, and asking questions when understanding breaks down
The only octopus commonly found in Texas waters is the Common Octopus (Octopus vulgaris). It lives for about a year to a year and a half and can grow up to four feet long. As the name suggests, this species is found in many places, especially in warm or mild climates. Still, they can be hard to spot because they hide well and can blend into their surroundings on the ocean floor.
Other types of octopuses live in the larger Gulf of Mexico area. These include the Mexican Four-Eyed Octopus (Octopus maya) and the Pygmy Octopus (Octopus joubini). The Mexican Four-Eyed Octopus, also called the red octopus, only lives near the Yucatan Peninsula. Its numbers are going down, likely because of too much fishing. The Pygmy Octopus is very small—only about 15 cm long—and while it lives in the Gulf of Mexico, it’s more common in the Caribbean Sea. Because of their size and rarity, both of these octopuses can be tough to find.
The common octopus is one of the most well-known and widespread octopus species. It is known for its intelligence, camouflage, and eight flexible arms. It lives in warm, shallow oceans and is famous for its problem-solving skills, color-changing skin, and ability to squeeze through tiny spaces.
