Investigate the mysterious world of the giant squid—the deep sea. This ocean habitat is home to billions of animals, many relying on amazing adaptations, such as bioluminescence, that allow them to survive in extreme conditions. This special collection provides articles and activities to supplement the Science Exploration online investigation Mysterious Cephalod of the Sea.

		Giant Squid: One Gigantic Mystery (Science World) Article for grades 6 through 10 Recently, a giant squid was photographed for the first time. Before that, no one had ever seen a living specimen. See how scientists have gone about studying this elusive creature.
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Animals

		Milstein Hall of Ocean Life Exhibition Materials for all grades up to 12 More than two-thirds of the planet is covered by ocean, yet less than five percent of it has been explored. Dive in for an in-depth look at Earth's mysterious, fragile, and amazingly vital ocean.
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		Endangered! Exhibition Materials for all ages African wild dog, Asian elephant, Indian python, American crocodile—threats to endangered animals are a global problem. Explore a world at risk, and learn what you can do to help.
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		Around the World with DNA Article for grades 3 through 8 Travel around the world with museum scientists. First stop Madagascar, where you'll meet a species of whales with fingerprint-like tails and primates that use their teeth to groom each other.
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		Jellies Down Deep Article for grades 6 through 12 Gelatinous goo, one of the most abundant forms of ocean life, was all but invisible to science until recently. Take an in-depth look at jellies, from the microscopic to the meter-wide "Big Red."
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		What's the Angle? Activity for grades 6 through 12 Why is there such a dramatic temperature change between the equator and the South Pole? Explore all the angles of sunlight with a few thermometers and a heat lamp.
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		Discovery Collection: Marine Animals Activity for all ages Barnacles, jellyfish, coral, clams, sponges, and more—with a history of 530 million years, it's no wonder marine animals are such a diverse, abundant group. Start exploring with this collection of 20.
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		Discovery Collection: Oyster Shells Activity for all ages It's not too hard to tell a hammer oyster's shell from a saddle oyster's. But can you spot the differences between Pacific and Atlantic thorny oysters? Take our online shell-seeking challenge.
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		Let's Talk with Paula Mikkelsen about Marine Invertebrates and How They Move Article for grades 6 through 12 Clams that bounce up and down like yo-yos, others that balloon their foot with blood, and squids that zip around using jet propulsion—the ocean's filled with remarkable creatures on the move!
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Environmental Studies

		What's the Big Idea? Marine Biology Article for grades 3 through 8 How is the ocean like a layer cake? What cool and spooky creatures live there? And just how important is the ocean to humans? Dive deep into marine biology with this kid-friendly introduction.
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		Work the System Article for grades 3 through 8 Did you know that forests with leaves above the water can grow in the ocean? Grab the magical magnifying glass, and see how many different plants and animals you can find in this virtual mangrove swamp.
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		Bio-Benefits Article for grades 3 through 8 Can you imagine living on a planet without biodiversity? What in the world would you wear—or eat? See how biodiversity gives us many of life's necessities.
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Atoms and Molecules

		Rubber Blubber Gloves Activity for grades 3 through 8 If you've ever dipped your toes in the ocean, you know the water can be downright chilly. So how do whales and walruses manage to stay warm in frigid waters? Find out with this fun hands-on activity.
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Light

		They Glow! Article for grades 3 through 8 Most of the deep sea is very dark, with little or no sunlight. But that doesn't mean marine animals are in the dark! Learn how these clever creatures create their own light.
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		Jellies Down Deep Article for grades 6 through 12 Gelatinous goo, one of the most abundant forms of ocean life, was all but invisible to science until recently. Take an in-depth look at jellies, from the microscopic to the meter-wide "Big Red."
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Reference Lists

		Ocean Books Reference List for grades 3 through 8 Explore the ocean's depths. Make your own diving bird mobile or Treasure Island map. Discover what sharks eat—and how it tastes. And set your mind afloat with these 12 kid-friendly books.
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		Ocean Life Book List Reference List for all ages Want to learn more about ocean life but can't fathom where to start? Let this list of more than 50 books—with titles for kids and adults—be your guide for deep-sea diving.
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		Ocean Life Web List Reference List for all grades up to 12 Solve the mystery of the sick killer whales. Send questions to a marine biologist. Explore the secrets of the ocean realm. And learn how to protect the world's waters with this library of links.
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