Quotation Lead

“Like something straight out of a Jules Verne novel, an enormous tentacled creature looms out of the inky blackness of the deep Pacific waters.” (Owen 2005)

 

In September 2004, a Japanese crew of scientists captured the first ever video of a live giant squid (Owen 2005).  Before this time, the giant squid was an elusive animal that only made its appearance in the stomachs of sperm whales or washed ashore on beaches.  Scientists did not know a lot about the creature, but now there is opportunity to learn more.  By studying the dead remains of giant squids, and the living habits of other species of squids, scientists have been able to learn about the creature.  Despite the fact that no one has seen a living squid until 2004, there is a lot to be known about giant squids such as how they got their name, what they look like, where they live, and what they eat.

 

Question Lead

Does the Loch Ness Monster exist?  Is there really a Big Foot?  Is there such a thing as a Giant Squid?  There are myths and legends of sea creatures and monsters that hide in the water or on land.  These myths have captivated young and old alike for years.  Recently, one of these myths was finally settled: there really is a giant squid that lives in the ocean.  In September, 2004, Japanese scientists captured the first video of a living giant squid in the Pacific Ocean (Owen 2005).  Despite the fact that no one has seen a living squid until 2004, there is a lot to be known about giant squids such as how they got their name, what they look like, where they live, and what they eat.