Main content
Course: 6th grade reading & vocabulary > Unit 3
Lesson 1: Building knowledgeOcean Conservation: unit vocabulary
Google ClassroomThis is a list of some noteworthy vocabulary you'll find in this unit! Some are related to the unit topic, and others are generally useful academic words.
You'll know some of the words already, and some may be new. Take some time to familiarize yourself with them all before you get started on the passages and exercises in the unit.
Word: barrier
(noun)
(noun)
- Definition: something that blocks the movement of things or people between places
- Sample Sentence: The sandbar provided a natural barrier for the smaller fish—their larger predators couldn’t get into the cove.
Word: contaminate
(verb)
(verb)
- Definition: to make something dirty or unsafe
- Sample Sentence: According to Conservation International, most of the oil that contaminates our oceans doesn’t come from oil spills, but from everyday runoff from roads.
Word: debris
(noun)
(noun)
- Definition: trash, rubbish, fragments of things not wanted anymore
- Sample Sentence: Julio always picked up all the plastic debris he found on the beach because he didn’t want it to end up back in the ocean.
Word: ecosystem
(noun)
(noun)
- Definition: everything (both living things and nonliving things) that are found in a specific environment
- Sample Sentence: Did you know that more than 50% of all species on our planet make their homes in marine ecosystems?
Word: efficient
(adjective)
(adjective)
- Definition: able to produce results without wasting time or materials; useful, effective
- Sample Sentence: Katelyn’s biology project focused on an efficient way to gather trash from local rivers.
Word: ingenious
(adjective)
(adjective)
- Definition: clever, inventive
- Sample Sentence: An octopus has some ingenious methods of defense—it hides in coconut shells and then rolls away from predators.
Word: innovative
(noun)
(noun)
- Definition: coming up with new ideas or approaches; inventive
- Sample Sentence: The pollution in our oceans has reached all-time highs—we need innovative solutions to solve the problem.
Word: sanctuary
(noun)
(noun)
- Definition: a place to hide and be safe; a place of protection for animals
- Sample Sentence: There are many marine sanctuaries to help protect marine animals, including the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.
Word: skeptical
(adjective)
(adjective)
- Definition: having doubt
- Sample Sentence: Although Mario was skeptical that he would understand what the dolphin was trying to tell him, after about 10 minutes in the water he understood the animal’s distress.
Word: subtle
(noun)
(noun)
- Definition: slight, not obvious
- Sample Sentence: Most clownfish look similar, but there are usually subtle differences in the thickness of their stripes.
Want to join the conversation?
Upvote if you like chicken nuggets(111 votes)
upvote if you think puppies are cute(67 votes)
upvote if you like turtles(33 votes)
upvote if you hate plastic.(23 votes)- Don't throw trash in the ocean that way the turtles can't eat it(18 votes)
- You are saying Innovative is a noun. I disagree coz you can't say "we need Innovative" my suggestion is 'adjective' because in the sentence it is describing the solution.(11 votes)
I can buy myself flowers write my name in the sand......(10 votes)
well ,some of those words are hard(5 votes)- In the whole story it is describing the way people should save turtles(5 votes)
Sea Turtles Need Us
Why Sea Turtles Should Live
Sea Turtles are fascinating ocean creatures and they need our help. All turtle species are threatened in some way whether by pollution or illegal poaching. Only we hold them from the brink of extinction. Will you help shape the future of our ocean ecosystem?
To help sea turtles you must be able to learn about them. Turtles are cold-blooded reptiles that breathe air. The seven species of sea turtle include the Flatback, Green, Hawksbill, Loggerhead, and Olive’s Ridley. The largest, the Leatherback, and the smallest, the Kemp’s Ridley, are also part of the sea turtle family. Sea turtles typically have shells four to six feet long and can’t tuck their limbs in. Their hard shell serves as a protective shield. The turtles lay their eggs on the beach and when the hatchlings break free, they go on a perilous journey to the ocean. Juveniles and adults eat jellyfish and different seagrasses. The Earth should be more educated about special creatures like these.
Why do we need sea turtles? If you like going to the beach, it is necessary to keep them alive. When these magnificent creatures lay their eggs on a beach, some may not hatch. The eggs that don’t hatch decompose and have nutrients that keep dune vegetation strong. In the ocean sea turtles eat coral and plants like sea grass. They help to keep the population of these organisms under control. We need turtles, just like turtles need us.
There are a plethora of ways to help sea turtles. More than a hundred thousand turtles died in one year. Six out of the seven species are vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered. Sea Turtles have been on Earth for two hundred million years. Do not disturb sea turtle nests marked by scientists. One way you can help them survive is by using reusable drinking straws and tote bags. (See Resources) You can also raise awareness for turtles and donate to sources like The Sea Turtle Conservancy. (See Resources) Sea Turtles need you.
Now that you are empowered and capable of helping Sea Turtles, here are a few tips. First and most importantly, spread awareness about sea turtles. Tell people, including you and your family, to not litter. There is a place for that plastic, and it’s not on the sidewalk. Tell them to donate to reliable sources. In a small world, turtles need you.(5 votes)