Ideas given below are based on the premise that the best activities are, at least partly, student generated and owned activities. Flexibility is the key:

1. Start decorating the classroom With Sea Themes two or three weeks before the unit (unless, of course, the unit is to take place at the beginning of the school year). Ask for lots of Student Input as to what kind of sea/ocean things they want in their classroom. This will build up interest and motivation to take part in the unit. It also fosters a sense of student ownership of and responsibility for the unit.
2. Ask for student ideas for how they want to start the unit. Give them LOTS of choices to prompt them to brainstorm their own ideas or take some that you offer them:
   1. Plan an Ocean Theme Party: Dress up as Fish, Pirates, Sailors, etc.
   2. Watch ocean related videos, cartoons, movie, etc.
   3. Learn Sea Songs: See attached fun "Ocean Fun Sheet." Be ready to add to the fun sheet as students provide ideas.
   4. Plan a virtual tour though the seas on the Internet. Visit world famous aquariums, online. They could sort shapes, sizes and types of fish they see.
   5. Make or buy cookies and cake shaped like fish, whales, sea lions, etc.
   6. Seafood Pizza Party: Don't hold the anchovies!! Give me lots of shrimp!
   7. Find Sea Games on the internet and have a "Sea Theme Game Kick-off" to the unit.