Let's Go Rock Pooling Stage 3 Comprehension PDF

STAGE 3 Unit focus: Habitats Text focus: Information Text Let’s Go Rock Pooling Exploring rock pools is a fun beach activity. There are many different living things hiding in the rocks or seaweed. What are rock pools? Rock pools are a type of microhabitat. They provide living things with everything...

STAGE 3 Unit focus: Habitats Text focus: Information Text Let’s Go Rock Pooling Exploring rock pools is a fun beach activity. There are many different living things hiding in the rocks or seaweed. What are rock pools? Rock pools are a type of microhabitat. They provide living things with everything needed to survive, within a small area. Rock pools are challenging environments. The amount of water rises and falls with the tides. Some rock pools are beaten by waves. On a sunny day, rock pools become very hot and salty too. It takes some special living things to be comfortable in these habitats. Getting ready Make sure you check the tides. Tides can rise quickly and some rock pools will become cut off. Low tide also makes it easier to spot creatures. Make sure you dress for the weather. Wear grippy shoes to avoid slipping on wet rocks. Equipment All you need for rock pooling is a bucket or container for scooping. You may wish to take a jar or a magnifying glass for looking closer at interesting finds. What to do Approach the rock pool quietly. The creatures are shy. They will scuttle away if they feel threatened. Try to avoid casting a shadow over the pond. Animals will think you are a predator. Observe the pool carefully. Some creatures may be camouflaged against the rocks. It can take a few minutes for you to spot them. Dip your container gently into the water to see what else you can find. You can use a jar (if you have one) to look closer at something. Avoid poking or prodding at creatures. This could harm or scare them. Always return the creatures to the pool. Being out of their habitat is stressful so don’t remove them for too long. all resources ©2022 Literacy Shed http://www.literacyshedplus.com What to look for Limpets: These creatures look like little cones clamped to rocks. This protects them from birds. It also stops them drying out. When the water covers them, they release themselves. They go searching for algae to eat. Beadlet Anemones: These beautiful red anemones also stick themselves to rocks. They have tentacles to catch prey. When the tide is low, they pull their tentacles in. This helps stop them drying out. Hermit crabs: These crabs have found another way to protect their soft bodies. They move into discarded shells! Shrimp: Shrimp and prawns can often be found sheltering under rocks. Be careful when moving rocks. Always return rocks to their position afterwards. Blennies: These small fish have slimy skin. This helps them slip and slide between the rocks at the bottom of the pool. They can even survive outside of water! VOCABULARY FOCUS 1. What other word could replace ‘challenging’ in the background section? 2. What does the word scuttle tell us about how the creatures move? 3. What does the word ‘clamped’ mean? 4. Find a word which means abandoned or left behind. 5. What word in the section ‘what to look for’ means ‘hiding’? S I I R R VIPERS QUESTIONS Why are rock pools challenging environments? Why could rock pooling be dangerous if you’re not careful? Why do you think you should be gentle when scooping creatures out of the rock pool? How do anemones stop themselves drying out? How do hermit crabs protect themselves? all resources ©2022 Literacy Shed http://www.literacyshedplus.com