Did you know sharks are 50 million years older than trees? Sharks roamed our seas over 400 million years ago while the earliest known genus of tree was found in forests around 350 million years ago. Sharks have survived four mass global extinctions!

Sharks are respected as powerful gods by some native cultures and are important apex (or top) predators in the marine world. Throughout their existence, sharks have shaped our oceans into rich habitats. Gain an appreciation for these powerful animals by using your scientific and creative skills to build your own shark from “upcycled” materials found in your house!

Tools:  

• Shark Research Institute’s Shark Species Guide 

• Shark Research Institute’s Shark Anatomy Chart (option to print)

• Animal Fact Sheet (option to print)

• Review Shark Anatomy online with the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy

• Scissors 

• Tape or glue 

• Coloring utensils (your preference of crayons, markers, paint) 

• Upcycled materials: toilet paper rolls, paper towel rolls, sandpaper, plastic bottles, snack cups, bottle or drink pouch caps, cardboard, tissue paper, etc.   

Steps: 

1. Before we begin, use the Shark Research Institute’s Shark Species Guide (see Tools Section) and the video above to learn about some of the 370+ species of sharks. Pay attention to the different colors, shapes, and sizes of sharks.

2. Now, let’s learn about the common external features of a shark. Review the Shark Anatomy Chart in the Tools Section. Be sure to note the various fins, color patterns, gill slits, and other external features, including the eyes, nose, mouth, ampullae of Lorenzini, and the lateral line. 

3. Pick out your favorite shark that you want to construct. Remember, each shark has some similar features but also a few differences that make them unique. Be sure to record or note these features. If needed, fill in the fact sheet (see Tools Section) or in a notebook to help you research your shark and identify its unique characteristics,  such as a rounded dorsal fin like the horn shark, an extended snout like the sawshark, an elongated tail like the thresher shark, a mouth size like the basking shark, giant eyes like the big-eyed thresher shark, pointed or rounded teeth, coloration and pattern like the epaulette shark, and the number of gill slits like the six- or seven-gilled shark.

4. Using the Shark Anatomy Chart and your additional notes, find items around your house to represent the different features of your shark. For example, a paper towel roll for the body, a toilet paper roll for the fins, or tissue paper for the skin coloration.  

5. Construct your shark with all your upcycled items. If you want to make it even more realistic, attach some sandpaper to the shark to mimic the texture of its dermal denticles!  

6. When you are done, share your shark with your family and friends. Can you identify all the basic features of the shark? We invite you to take a picture of your shark and share it, along with one interesting fact you learned about sharks, and tag us on Facebook and Twitter with #SubaruLovesLearning.  

To Do or Learn More: 

• Use this online guide to transform a plastic bottle into a 3D shark with the help of tissue paper, glue, and free printable shark parts. It can also be a night light! 

• Discover the inside anatomy of a shark with the Arizona Science Center Dog Shark Dissection or watch a college-level online shark dissection and anatomy performed during the Biology 121 course at Virginia Commonwealth University.  

• Have you heard about OCEARCH? It’s an organization focused on helping scientists collect shark data that are often unattainable. OCEARCH also tracks a variety of mobile creatures, including sharks, dolphins, turtles, whales, seals, and even alligators. Check out the OCEARCH homepage for the most recent data points collected!

• Learn about the Shark Lady, Eugenie Clark, with this Children’s Book Read Aloud. 

• Test your shark knowledge with this PurposeGames’ interactive Shark Anatomy game.  

• Visit one of the upcycled sculptures by Washed Ashore or just check out their awesome website for inspiration to continue upcycling resources!