Title of Book:
Author:
Publisher/Year:
ISBN:
Rosie Ray: A Tale of Watery Wings
Suzanne Tate
Nags Head Art, Inc./2003
978-1-878405-40-1
Grade Levels for Recommended Use: 7
TEKS:
7.12A organisms and environments. The student knows that living systems at all levels of
organization demonstrate the complementary nature of structure and function. The
student is expected to investigate and explain how internal structures of organisms have
adaptations that allow specific functions such as gills in fish, hollow bones in birds, or
xylem in pants.
Brief Summary:
This book is written from the perspective of a young spotted eagle ray. The author shows
the eagle ray interacting with the environment and includes physical characteristics of the
species as well as behavioral traits. An underwater ecosystem is shown through the
illustrations and character interactions. Environmentally conscious humans also play a
role in the story.
Materials needed:
Science Journals
Handout “Internal Structures of Organisms”
Suggested Activity:
 Engage the student’s interest in spotted eagle rays by reading the book in its
entirety.
 Explain that internal structures of organisms help the organisms function in their
environment.
 Hand out “Internal Structures of Organisms,” and complete the spotted eagle ray
section together.
 In their science journals, have the students write a brief reflection that answers the
following questions:
o Would spotted eagle rays be able to function in their ecosystem without
their internal structures we identified?
o Pretend the spotted eagle ray doesn’t have one internal structure we listed,
and explain how that would change the way they could function.
References:
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/fish/gallery/descript/seray/seray.html
The above website contains spotted eagle ray information.
Adapted by: Tiffani Mittag (2011)