Oktapodi

These two cute octopuses help each other escape the clutches of a tyrannical restaurant cook. But, even once they’re out of the kitchen, their battle to stay together is not over.

English:

• Write the short story from the perspective of one of the octopuses.
• Write some dialogue between the two octopuses, for example, between 1:15 and 1:25.
• Make a list of ways that the octopuses work as a team.
• Collect adjectives to describe the octopuses and the man.
• Write a sequel to the video.
• Stop the video, for example, at 0:58, and create a social media post about it.
• Write thought bubbles for the characters at different points in the video. For example, 1:18 and 1:49.
• Design a comic strip that retells the story.
• Create a character profile for the main octopus characters.
• Write a new ending for the story and share it with the class.
• Add another character to the story. Will they help the man or the octopuses? How will they change the story?
• Using a thesaurus, Make a list of verbs that could be used to describe the chase.
• Watch The Boy and the Octopus and try some of our ideas related to it. Discuss the similarities and differences between the two films.

Maths:

•  Use the information on this infographic to compare the sizes of different large sea creatures.
• Try an octopus-themed maths investigation.
• Use your 8 times table knowledge to create questions about octopuses. For example, how many legs do seven octopuses have altogether?

Science:

•  Investigate the anatomy of an octopus and its unique features, then create a fact file.
• Read this page about how an octopus uses camouflage. You can also learn about camouflage on this BBC Bitesize page.
• Discuss the habitat of octopuses and other marine life.
• Create a poster about the life cycle of an octopus.
• Write a list article (or listicle) about the octopus, using this as an example.
• Create a presentation about octopus adaptations.

Computing:

• Create a digital presentation about octopuses and their habitats.
• Use animation software, such as Scratch, to create a simple moving octopus character.
• Design a simple video game idea where players are chased by a character.

Design Technology:

• Build a model of an underwater environment using recycled materials.
• Did you know that scientists have designed a suction cup based on the cups found on an octopus’ tentacles? Watch the video below to find out more. Can you think of another way in which these amazing animals could inspire a new invention? What can they do that would be useful for a machine or product?

Art:

• Paint or draw scenes from the video, focusing on colours and emotions. The Oktapodi Gallery and the Making of Video are really useful resources for looking at the elements in isolation.

• Create sculptures of octopuses using modelling clay.
• Experiment with watercolours to create an underwater landscape.
• Design an original sea creature character that could join the story.
• Create a flipbook illustrating the octopuses’ chase.
• Use printmaking techniques to make ocean-inspired art.

Music:

• Find out about the career of the composer, Kenny Wood.
• Explore rhythm by clapping to the music featured in the video. When it speeds up, what is the effect?
• Create a new soundtrack that could accompany the video.
• Explore ways to use instruments to mimic or suggest ocean sounds.
• Make your own ocean drum.

Geography:

• Create a fact file about Greece, the setting of this animation. There is lots of useful information here.

History:

• Create an octopus timeline, like this example.
• Study the myths and legends related to octopuses from various cultures.

Physical Education:

• Plan and create an obstacle course based on the chase in the film.
• Try the octopus yoga pose.
• Use some pilates activities to improve flexibility.
• Design some balances working with a partner. What can you achieve with a partner that you could not do alone?
• Try learning a traditional Greek dance.
• Watch a musician playing a Greek instrument, like this Bouzouki.

Languages:

• Learn vocabulary related to the sea and marine animals in the language you are studying.

PSHE:

• Discuss the feelings of the characters at different points in the video.
• Hold a class discussion about the question, “Should people eat octopuses?“
• Talk about when the octopuses are good friends in the film. When have you been a good friend? When has someone been a good friend to you? What did the friends do together that they could not do alone?