Free Different Types of Sharks Worksheets
These types of sharks worksheets were a fun way for us to combine marine biology and critical thinking during our ocean unit.
My son enjoyed figuring out which shark matched each clue, especially once he realized how different they really are.
With ten species to explore, this printable set introduces key facts in a simple format that works well for 1st to 3rd graders.
It’s an easy addition to any ocean lesson or Shark Week activity.
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What’s Included in the Shark Worksheets
These free printable shark worksheets are designed for kids in 1st to 3rd grade and include two engaging activities: a labeling sheet with ten different shark species, and a “Who Am I?” game that uses fun clues to help kids identify each one.
Each worksheet introduces a new species with a short, memorable fact to encourage both reading and critical thinking. The sharks included are:
- Angel Shark: Recognized by its flat body and wide pectoral fins, which make it resemble a ray.
- Black Tip Reef Shark: Known for the distinct black tips on its fins, commonly found in shallow tropical coral reefs.
- Blue Shark: Famous for its striking blue color and long, slender body, often seen gliding gracefully through the open ocean.
- Bull Shark: A versatile predator capable of living in both saltwater and freshwater and often found far inland, in rivers and lakes.
- Great White Shark: Renowned for its remarkable ability to detect a drop of blood in 25 gallons of water and sense tiny amounts up to 3 miles away.
- Hammerhead Shark: Famous for its uniquely shaped head, which enhances its sensory perception and helps it detect prey.
- Lemon Shark: Easily recognized by its yellowish hue, which helps it blend into sandy, tropical waters.
- Leopard Shark: Known for its distinctive dark spots and saddle-like markings, it’s often found in coastal areas.
- Nurse Shark: A slow-moving bottom-dweller that often rests in groups on the ocean floor.
- Tiger Shark: Referred to as the “garbage can of the sea,” it eats almost anything, from fish and seals to birds and even tires.
Along with identifying and writing the names of the sharks, kids can color the pages and use logic to match clues to the right species. It’s a low-prep activity that blends science, reading, and problem-solving, all in one printable pack.
Don’t forget to check out our free aquarium scavenger hunt printable for even more fun! It’s a great way to explore marine life while keeping kids active and engaged.
What skill is being covered?
These shark worksheets helped my son work on more than just science facts, they were a great mix of reading, logic, and writing practice. Figuring out which shark matched each clue gave him a chance to slow down, think critically, and spell each name carefully (which was a win for us).
The “Who Am I?” pages especially encouraged problem-solving and made it feel more like a puzzle than schoolwork. And since the worksheets come in both black and white and color, he enjoyed personalizing each shark as he went, adding his own flair while learning about their traits, habitats, and even conservation.
It’s a simple way to introduce concepts like endangered species, ocean ecosystems, and the role of predators in the food chain, without needing a full science lesson plan.
We paired these shark worksheets with our under the sea graphing printable. It was a fun way to sneak in a little math while staying on theme.
Best Shark Books for Kids
If your kids are anything like mine, shark books are always a hit, especially when they’re filled with great photos or fun facts they can share at dinner. These are a few favorites we’ve used alongside our shark worksheets:
The Ultimate Book of Sharks by National Geographic Kids – This one is packed with huge, vibrant photos and cool facts. My son kept stopping to tell me random shark trivia while reading it, he was hooked.
Shark Lady – The story of Eugenie Clark is both inspiring and informative. It was a great way to show that science isn’t just facts, it’s driven by curiosity and passion.
Sharks Sticker Activity Book – This was perfect for quiet time. With puzzles, games, and hundreds of stickers, it kept my son busy while reinforcing what he’d learned.
Ocean Animals Coloring Book with Fun Facts – I put this book together to combine coloring with learning. It includes fun facts about some of the smartest ocean creatures, perfect for early elementary kids who love to color and ask questions.
Want to Learn about Ocean Animals?
More Shark-Themed Printables to Explore
If your kids are still curious after finishing these worksheets, here are a few more shark activities we’ve enjoyed:
- Label the parts of a shark worksheet – Great for reinforcing shark anatomy after learning about each species.
- Shark life cycle worksheet from Living Life and Learning – A helpful visual for showing how sharks grow and change over time.
- Shark research worksheets from Darcy & Brian – Ideal for older kids ready to dig deeper into shark facts and habitats.
- Shark color by number worksheets from Homeschool Preschool – A fun and simple way for younger children to practice number recognition while staying on theme.
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Last Updated on 1 May 2025 by Clare Brown