Scuba Aruba

1. Challenge students to research the physics of scuba diving. Investigate the components of air and the scuba method of breathing under water. Students record answers and pose more questions as they arise. Encourage students to be observant and identify equipment needed to scuba dive: mask, scuba, fins, and snorkel. List safety precautions needed to be taken by divers. Share information as a whole class.
2. Using Crayola® Construction Paper™ Crayons and Crayola Washable Markers, students draw an underwater scene on white construction paper.
3. Students cut colored paper with Crayola Scissors and arrange it to make a collage image of themselves as a scuba diver. Students can attach their divers to the underwater scene with a Crayola Washable Glue Stick. Include all the equipment needed. Add details with markers.

LA: Read and comprehend informational texts, including history/social studies, science, and technical texts, at the high end of the grade level text complexity band independently and proficiently.

LA: Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade level topics and texts, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.

LA: Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.

MATH: Convert like measurement units within a given measurement system.

SCI: Use data about the characteristics of organisms and habitats to design an artificial habitat in which the organisms can survive.

VA: Use different media, techniques, and processes to communicate ideas, experiences, and stories.

VA: Use visual structures of art to communicate ideas.

VA: Select and use subject matter, symbols, and ideas to communicate meaning.

Possible classroom resources include: Scuba Diving! Learn About Scuba Diving And Learn To Read - The Learning Club! by Leah Ledos; Scuba Diving by Tom Greve; Safety at the Swimming Pool by Lucia Raatma

Students research breathing under water and document safety practices to follow. Students create written questions for safety awareness and precautions. Write these on a folded 5x8 index card. On the opposite side, students write answers. Students quiz each other using research cards.

In small groups, students collaborate to create scuba diving brochures which includes a page of questions with accurate answers for safety procedures. Other pages can include photographs of people scuba diving, pictures or sketches