Career · Lesson Plan

Becoming a Marine Biologist

A career-exploration lesson on marine biologists — scientists who study ocean life. Students learn what marine biologists do, the equipment and grants their work involves, where they’re employed, and the interests that suit the field.

Grades 5–8 Lesson Plan 30–45 minutes Free Lesson

Becoming a marine biologist career lesson illustration

For Teachers

Lesson at a glance

Topic: Career
Grade Level: Grades 5–8
Resource Type: Lesson + Worksheet
Estimated Time: 30–45 minutes
Format: Reading + worksheet
Materials: Printable lesson, worksheet, whiteboard

What Students Learn

Learning objectives

Explain that marine biologists are scientists who study ocean life
Identify Jacques Cousteau and his role in ocean science
Explain what a grant is and why it matters to scientists
Describe marine biologists’ job responsibilities and possible employers
Explain the ideal characteristics for becoming a marine biologist

Materials

What you’ll need

Printed copies of the lesson reading and worksheet (one per student)
Whiteboard or projector for discussion
Optional: internet access for ocean-science research

Key Terms

Vocabulary

Marine biologist: A scientist who studies life in the ocean.
Grant: Money awarded to fund research or a project.
Specimen: A sample collected for study.
Submersible: A vessel that carries researchers underwater.
Research: Careful study to discover answers to questions.
Marine life: Plants and animals that live in the sea.

For Teachers

Lesson plan

Estimated time: one 30–45 minute class period.

Lesson sequence

Introduction (5 min). Ask who might get paid to study whales, coral, or sharks. Introduce marine biology.
Read the lesson (12 min). Students read about what marine biologists study, the tools they use, and how grants fund their work.
Discussion (10 min). Cover what a grant is, where marine biologists work, and the skills the job requires.
Worksheet (10 min). Students complete the worksheet; the answer key is included for teacher use.
Wrap-up (3 min). Students name an ocean question a marine biologist might research.

Assessment

Assess participation and the completed worksheet.

Discussion

Discussion questions

What do marine biologists study, and where do they do their work?
What is a grant, and why do scientists need them?
What kinds of equipment help marine biologists do their jobs?
Who might employ a marine biologist?
What interests and skills suit someone in this field?

Printable Lesson & Worksheet