Shark Printables

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Updated on July 28, 2019

Sharks have a bad reputation as scary, man-eating creatures, but the reputation is undeserved for the most part. On average, there are less than 100 fatal shark attacks worldwide each year. A person is more likely to be struck by lightning than attacked by a shark.

When we hear the word shark, most of us think of ferocious predators like the Great White shark is portrayed in like Jaws. However, there are more than 450 species of sharks. They range in size from the tiny Dwarf Lanternshark, which is only about 8 inches long, to the huge whale shark, which can grow up to 60 feet in length.

Most sharks live in the ocean, but some, such as the bull shark, can survive in freshwater lakes and rivers.

A shark's offspring is called a pup. The young sharks are born with a full set of teeth and are ready to be on their own soon after birth - which is good since some fall prey to their own mothers!

Although some sharks lay eggs, most species give birth to live pups, usually one or two at a time. However, sharks are fish, not mammals. They breathe through gills rather than lungs, and they don't have bones. Instead, their skeleton is made up of a firm, flexible material called cartilage (like a person's ears or nose) which is covered by scales. They have several rows of teeth. When they lose a tooth, another grows back to take its place.

Some sharks, like the Great White, never sleep. They must swim constantly to pump water through their gills in order to survive.

Sharks are carnivores (meat-eaters) that feed on fish, crustaceans, seals, and other sharks. It is thought that most sharks live 20-30 years, though the actual lifespan depends on the breed.

Teach your students more about sharks with these free printables.

Shark Vocabulary

Print the pdf: Shark Vocabulary Sheet

Introduce your students to sharks with this vocabulary worksheet. Use a dictionary, the Internet, or a reference book about sharks to look up and define each term from the word bank. Then, write each word on the blank line next to its correct definition.

Shark Wordsearch

Print the pdf: Shark Word Search

Review shark vocabulary in a fun way with this word search puzzle. Each shark-related word can be found among the jumbled letters in the puzzle.

Shark Crossword Puzzle

Print the pdf: Shark Crossword Puzzle

A crossword puzzle is much more fun than a quiz and still allows you to see how well your students remember the terms associated with sharks. Each clue describes a word from the word bank.

Shark Challenge

Print the pdf: Shark Challenge

Check your students' understanding of shark vocabulary with this challenging worksheet. Each definition is followed by four multiple-choice options.

Shark Alphabetizing Activity

Print the pdf: Shark Alphabet Activity

Young students can practice their thinking and alphabetizing skills with this alphabet activity. Children should write each shark-related word in correct alphabetical order on the blank lines provided.

Shark Reading Comprehension

Print the pdf: Shark Reading Comprehension Page

Check your students' reading comprehension skills with this activity. Students should read the sentences about sharks, then fill in the blanks with the correct answers.

Shark Theme Paper

Print the pdf: Shark Theme Paper

Let your students use this shark theme paper to write a story, poem or essay about sharks. Encourage them to do some research on their favorite shark (or do some research to choose a favorite).

Shark Door Hangers

Print the pdf: Shark Door Hangers

Young children can practice their fine motor skills by cutting out these door hangers. They should cut out along the solid line. Then, cut along the dotted line and cut out the small circle. They can hang the door hangers on the door and cabinet knobs around their home.

For best results, print on card stock.

Shark Puzzle - Hammerhead Shark

Print the pdf: Shark Puzzle Page

Puzzles allow children to practice critical thinking and fine motor skills. Print the shark puzzle and let your child cut the pieces apart, then have fun doing the puzzle.

For best results, print on card stock.

Shark Coloring Page - Great White Shark

Print the pdf: Shark Coloring Page

The Great White Shark is probably the best known of the shark family. Grey with a white underbelly, these sharks are found throughout the oceans of the world. Sadly, the species is endangered. The Great White Shark grows to about 15 feet long and weighs 1,500-2,400 pounds, on average.

Print this coloring page and encourage your students to research and see what else they can learn about Great White Sharks.

Updated by Kris Bales.