Shark Week 2020 runs from August 9th – August 16th. Shark Week is an annual week-long TV programming block on the Discovery Channel in it’s 32nd year! This year boasts a record 24 specials that explore the “deadly-but-misunderstood creatures.”
Looking for some FINtastic shark activities to celebrate Shark Week? We’ve got some JAWsome recommendations for you!
JOKES
All jokes were found in the National Geographic Kids Just Joking book series. Answers listed at the bottom of the page
- What do you get when you cross a snowman with a shark?
- What do you call the mushy stuff between a shark’s teeth?
- What do you call a shark giving presents?
- What is a sea monster’s favorite meal?
- BONUS: Say this tongue twister FAST three times – Six sharp smart sharks!
GAMES
- Duck, Duck, Goose! Wait! We can’t play that during Shark Week, but we can play Fish, Fish, Shark!
- Pin the Fin on the Shark
- Go Fish card game
- Feed the Shark corn hole – use construction paper to decorate your corn hole board to look like a shark
BOOKS
Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Shark by Jeffrey Burton
An adventurous twist on the popular bedtime nursery rhyme, Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Shark is the fifth board book in the Twinkle, Twinkle series that’s perfect for parents and little ones to snuggle up and share.
Sharks by Gail Gibbons
From huge whale sharks to tiny dwarf sharks, this book has everything you need to know about one of our most popular–and mysterious–sea creatures. Millions of years before the first dinosaurs walked the earth, the first sharks swam in the sea. Though they’re often feared and misunderstood, most sharks aren’t dangerous to humans.
Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist by Jess Keating
This is the story of a woman who dared to dive, defy, discover, and inspire.
Find a downloadable Activity Kit provided by the Publisher, Sourcebooks Explore
Sharks by Sarah L. Fowler
Supporting STEM-based learning, this fact-filled book for shark aficionados ages 6-9 is the ultimate guide to sharks, from hammerheads to great whites. Entertaining and educating young readers through a combination of close-up images, quirky trivia facts, quiz questions, and fascinating tidbits, it’s the perfect book for any kid who can’t get enough of these ferocious fish.
Amazing Sharks by Steve Parker
Readers can check out the great white shark up close, as well as 19 other amazing species of shark. Full-color photographs introduce readers to the teeth, fins, and other body adaptations that make sharks some of the coolest animals out there. Fact boxes detail each shark’s behaviors, including hunting practices, and statistics telling their lifespan, size, and range.
I Survived the Shark Attacks of 1916 by Lauren Tarshis
In the summer of 1916, ten year-old Chet Roscow is captivated by the local news: A great white shark has been attacking and killing people up and down the Atlantic coast, not far from Chet’s hometown of Springfield, New Jersey. Then one day, swimming with his friends, Chet sees something in the water …
MOVIES
Shark lady [DVD] : [the true story of how Eugenie Clark became the ocean’s most fearless scientist]
The true story of Eugenie Clark, a woman whose scientific contributions and passion for sea life led to her being nicknamed ‘Shark Lady.’ Includes read-along subtitles.
Shark Tale {DVD}
A young fish’s false reputation as a “shark slayer” earns him fame…and gets him fitted for cement fins in this animated tale.
Shark-tastic! [DVD]
Includes four wild adventures with Martin and Chris Kratt: Stuck on sharks; Octopus Wildkratticus; Tortuga tune-up; Speaking Dolphinese.
Spectacular sharks [DVD]
Sharks have inhabited our oceans for more than 400 million years. Their ability to adapt to their environment over time has classified them as one of the world’s most successful species. In this program, we dive into the ocean to take a closer look at these magnificent creatures and examine the qualities and characteristics that have enabled them to survive for millions of years.
Why sharks attack [DVD]
To separate fact from fear, NOVA teams with leading shark experts in Australia and the United States to uncover the science behind the great white’s hunting instincts. With shark populations plummeting, scientists race to unlock the secrets of these powerful creatures of the deep in their quest to save people, and sharks.
CRAFT

Shark Coffee Filter Suncatcher
Supplies:
- Water color paints
- Paint brush
- Glue
- Scissors
- Blue, black or gray construction paper
Directions:
- Paint your coffee filter and set it out to dry.
- Print out the shark pattern by clicking the download button below or print one of your own and trace it onto black, blue or gray construction paper.
- Cut out your shark pattern and glue it to your painted coffee filter.
ANSWERS
- Frostbite
- A slow swimmer
- Santa Jaws
- Fish and Ships
More JAWsome activities
Download through Freegal Music
pinkfong Baby Shark Presents: The Best of Baby Shark
Baby Shark, Hello, Pinkfong, Peek-a-Zoo, Jungle Boogie, The Lion, Night Animals, Good Morning Song, Tyrannosaurus-Rex, The Penguin Dance, Under the Sea, Police Car Song, Vroom Vroom Family, See You Again, Pinkfong, Halloween Sharks, Christmas Baby Shark, Monkey Banana, Baby Shark Dance (Remix)
Check out the Shark Gallery & SeaTube at the Greater Cleveland Aquarium
Check out the shark section of the Shedd Aquarium (Chicago, IL) website