Otis and Will Discover the Deep: The Record-Setting Dive of the Bathysphere
on Goodreads (807)
What’s inside...
The suspenseful, little-known true story of two determined pioneers who made the first dive into the deep ocean. On June 6, 1930, engineer Otis Barton and explorer Will Beebe dove into the ocean inside a hollow metal ball of their own invention called the Bathysphere. They knew dozens of things might go wrong. A tiny leak could shoot pressurized water straight through the men like bullets! A single spark could cause their oxygen tanks to explode! No one had ever dived lower than a few hundred feet and come back. But Otis and Will were determined to become the first people to see what the deep ocean looks like. This suspenseful story from acclaimed author Barb Rosenstock with mesmerizing watercolors by award-winning artist Katherine Roy will put you right in the middle of the spine-tingling, record-setting journey down, down into the deep.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
48 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Otis and Will felt when they first descended into the ocean? Can you imagine being in their place?
Why is exploring unknown places important? What can we learn from Otis and Will's adventure?
How did teamwork help Otis and Will achieve their record-setting dive? Can you think of a time when teamwork helped you achieve something?
What do you think they saw in the deep ocean? How do you think the deep sea is different from the land above?
How do you think the Bathysphere was able to go so deep into the ocean without getting crushed by the water pressure?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings and thoughts about the story, relating to the characters' emotions and actions.
Discuss the significance of curiosity and bravery in learning and exploration, drawing parallels to personal experiences.
Highlight the importance of teamwork and collaboration by discussing how Otis and Will worked together to achieve their goal.
Ask your child to use their imagination to envision the unseen world of the deep ocean, enhancing their creativity and understanding of the story.
Connect the story to real-life science by talking about the challenges and technologies involved in deep-sea exploration.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Determination
Explanation: Otis and Will, despite numerous challenges, continue their pursuit to explore the ocean depths. Their determination to succeed against the odds is an essential theme throughout the book.
Real-World Application: Children can learn that persisting through difficulties and not giving up when facing obstacles is vital. This can be applied in their daily challenges, whether in school tasks or personal goals.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The successful dive of the Bathysphere was not just the result of individual effort but a culmination of teamwork between Otis, Will, and their supporting crew. The story showcases how working together can lead to great achievements.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the importance of cooperating with others, respecting different roles, and valuing each person’s contribution, whether in group projects at school or during team sports.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Learning
Explanation: Otis and Will's journey is driven by their curiosity about the unexplored ocean. Their quest for knowledge and discovery is a central element of the narrative.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be curious and explore the world around them. This could be in the form of asking questions, seeking out new experiences, or studying topics that fascinate them.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: Throughout the story, Otis and Will encounter and have to solve many technical and environmental challenges. Their innovative thinking and problem-solving skills are crucial to their mission’s success.
Real-World Application: Children learn that thinking critically and finding solutions to problems is applicable in everyday situations such as resolving conflicts with peers or overcoming a difficult task.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature and Environment
Explanation: The exploration in the book highlights the beauty and mystery of the oceanic world, fostering a respect for natural environments and their preservation.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to appreciate and care for the environment, promoting activities such as recycling, conserving water, or participating in community clean-up efforts.