Shark Week is coming! The most fin-tastic week of the year starts this Sunday on Discovery Channel! Shark Week takes viewers on a week-long journey to the depths of the sea to uncover the secrets of the these often misunderstood and downright amazing sea creatures.
I have two ways to help you get ready for Shark Week. First, learn some fun facts about sharks. Second, enter a giveaway of awesome Shark Week merchandise so you’ll be ready to dive into the unique cultural phenomenon that is Shark Week.
Shark Trivia
* Selachophobia is the fear of sharks, which is also known as galeophobia. That fear is not well-founded in fact, however, given that the odds of being killed by lightning or a tornado are higher than the odds of being killed by a shark.
* There are more than 300 shark species swimming in the world’s waters.
* Not all sharks are big. Half of sharks are less than 3 feet long, and 80% of sharks are 6 feet long or less.
* A special organ next to a muscle in a shark’s eye socket allows sharks to heat their eyes so that they can hunt in frigid waters.
* A great white shark eats 11 tons of food each year. For some context, humans consume approximately half a ton of food in a year.
* Sharks are so important that scientists consider them “keystone species,” meaning that if they disappear, the entire ecosystem collapses.
Sources: Discovery and Shedd Aquarium
Shark Week Products and Giveaway
This fun Shark Week prize pack features products from the Discovery Channel Store, which has pretty much every Shark Week-related item you could want, including apparel, cupcake kits, jewelry, toys, and much more. The giveaway winner will be able to make a big splash during Shark Week with the following items:
* Shark Week T-shirt – This made me laugh when I first saw the awesome, quirky graphic of a shark tuning in to one of the exciting programs on Discovery Channel’s infamous Shark Week.
* Shark Week Puzzle – Enjoy Shark Week with this MasterPieces 11.5″x15″ 100pc Feeding Frenzy. Your favorite Shark Week sharks brought to life in a 100PC MasterPieces Puzzle.
and last but definitely not least, a Great White Plush – The detail on every shark is spot-on, and it is especially cuddly, too.
You can find the Shark Week 2016 TV schedule here.
Please remember that supporting sustainable fisheries and shark conservation projects means that these majestic creatures continue to thrive and inspire stories for generations to come.
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Prior Post: Road trip printables for tweens
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Mary says
Our family loves shark week and our 5 year old has a million shark facts to share with anyone who will listen!
Shannan Younger says
That’s awesome! Love it! Happy Shark Week to you and yours!
Marty C. says
I wish them well, but hope they stay far, far away from me.
Shannan Younger says
I’m sure the sharks -appreciate your well wishes from a safe distance, Marty!
Brenda Guardado says
I’m fascinated by the natural world around me and I would like to share that plush with my nephew who is crazy about sharks.
Shannan Younger says
Good luck, Brenda!
Haley says
So pumped for shark week! Definitely my favorite week over the summer. My family and I plan on watching it together which is a very fun way to spend time together! Thanks for the great facts! Can’t wait!
Shannan Younger says
I love that Shark Week is a family activity for you, Haley! So cool!
David says
If I were to be stranded on a boat in the middle of the Atlantic, I would hate sharks, but from the safety of my home, they fascinate me.
Shannan Younger says
I agree with you on both counts, David 🙂
Katie C. says
Sharks are fine by me, so long as they leave me alone.
Kelley H says
I love shark week and think sharks are great as long as there is a glass barrier between me and them.
Justin Tan says
I think sharks are really bold and beautiful animal. There’s definitely far more to sharks than their bite.
Shannan Younger says
So true! I hope that people watch Shark Week and learn more about these amazing, and often misunderstood, creatures.
kaitlyn clinkenbeard says
i love me some sharks
Kymberly Dillon says
My favorite week of the year. Love, love Shark Week.