Manta Ray Shoals: AUS Year 5-7
Australian curriculum-aligned manta ray exploration scenarios.
- Research and compare the cognitive abilities of manta rays and dolphins
- Evaluate scientific evidence for animal intelligence
- Construct evidence-based arguments for a debate
- Develop respectful debate and active listening skills
Duration: 3 lessons (50 min each)
Engagement Strategy: Virtual exhibit research, structured debate format, evidence card collection
- Access to Salty Sharks Manta Ray Shoals virtual world
- Research fact sheets on manta rays and dolphins
- Debate preparation worksheet
- Evidence cards template
- Debate rules and scoring rubric
Driving Question
Which marine animal is smarter — the manta ray or the dolphin — and how do scientists measure animal intelligence?
Project
Students prepare and participate in a structured class debate, supported by evidence collected from the virtual world and research.
Curriculum Standard
ACARA Science Year 7: Classification of organisms (ACSSU111); English: Constructing arguments with evidence.
Teacher's Role
- 1 Assign debate teams (manta ray vs dolphin)
- 2 Provide research materials and guide fact-finding
- 3 Teach debate structure and argumentation skills
- 4 Moderate the debate and facilitate reflection
Student's Role
- 1 Research assigned animal’s intelligence using the virtual exhibit
- 2 Collect evidence cards with citations
- 3 Prepare opening statements, rebuttals, and closing arguments
- 4 Participate in the debate and reflect on what was learned
Assess research quality, argumentation, and debate skills.
- 1 At least 5 evidence cards with accurate citations
- 2 Arguments logically structured and clearly presented
- 3 Effective use of rebuttals addressing opposing evidence
- 4 Respectful debating conduct and active listening
- 5 Post-debate reflection shows understanding of both species
Research a third marine animal known for intelligence (octopus, orca) and write a short paper comparing all three.
- Research and compare the cognitive abilities of manta rays and dolphins
- Evaluate scientific evidence for animal intelligence
- Construct evidence-based arguments for a debate
- Develop respectful debate and active listening skills
Duration: 3 lessons (50 min each)
Engagement Strategy: Virtual exhibit research, structured debate format, evidence card collection
- Access to Salty Sharks Manta Ray Shoals virtual world
- Research fact sheets on manta rays and dolphins
- Debate preparation worksheet
- Evidence cards template
- Debate rules and scoring rubric
Driving Question
Which marine animal is smarter — the manta ray or the dolphin — and how do scientists measure animal intelligence?
Project
Students prepare and participate in a structured class debate, supported by evidence collected from the virtual world and research.
Curriculum Standard
ACARA Science Year 7: Classification of organisms (ACSSU111); English: Constructing arguments with evidence.
Teacher's Role
- 1 Assign debate teams (manta ray vs dolphin)
- 2 Provide research materials and guide fact-finding
- 3 Teach debate structure and argumentation skills
- 4 Moderate the debate and facilitate reflection
Student's Role
- 1 Research assigned animal’s intelligence using the virtual exhibit
- 2 Collect evidence cards with citations
- 3 Prepare opening statements, rebuttals, and closing arguments
- 4 Participate in the debate and reflect on what was learned
Assess research quality, argumentation, and debate skills.
- 1 At least 5 evidence cards with accurate citations
- 2 Arguments logically structured and clearly presented
- 3 Effective use of rebuttals addressing opposing evidence
- 4 Respectful debating conduct and active listening
- 5 Post-debate reflection shows understanding of both species
Research a third marine animal known for intelligence (octopus, orca) and write a short paper comparing all three.