Habitat Mapping Activity: Follow ‘Ō‘io Throughout Their Life Cycle

This map-coloring activity allows students to explore the different habitats where ‘ō‘io (Hawaiian bonefishes) live. Students will create a unique pattern to represent the habitats on their map. They will also learn about some of the different forms and functions of each stage of the ‘ō‘io life cycle.

Download the habitat mapping activity 

• Instructions and Activity (PDF, 3 pages)
• Sample Completed Map (PDF, 1 page)

To illustrate your fish life stages and habitats on a computer, tablet, or smartphone, launch your preferred digital art application and open the JPEG file:

• Instructions (JPG)
• Activity (JPG)

Learn more about the journey of ‘ō’io across different habitats in the NOAA Live! webinar Following ‘Ō‘io: The Life of Hawaiian Bonefishes!

Audience: Grades 3-5

Next Generation Science Standards Disciplinary Core Ideas:

• LS1.B: Growth and Development of Organisms
• LS2.C: Ecosystem Dynamics, Functioning, and Resilience
• LS4.D: Biodiversity and Humans
• ESS3.C: Human Impacts on Earth Systems

Learn More

• Types of Habitat - Explore other types of habitat that are important to fish and learn more about the ones in the activity.
• NOAA Habitat Restoration Atlas - Get to know habitat restoration projects in your area and how you can get involved.
• Conserving Habitat in the Pacific Islands - The Pacific Islands region maps marine habitats across the Pacific, studying their physical and biological properties, along with impacts like marine debris, invasive species, and pollutants.