# data[].attributes.body
First, students run in the shape of a number eight between two cones - movement;
Secondly, they draw the number eight with their hands in the air - brain gym;
Thirdly, they learn how to make a sailing knot number eight;
Finally, they post the photos of their knots on the padlet.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sailing knots - How to tie a Clove Hitch - The International Marine Book of Sailing - Robby Robinson - 0070532257

# data[].attributes.headline
Find out the endangered species in your area (exchange photos with other countries)

# data[].attributes.subject
Find out the endangered species in your area (exchange photos with other countries)

# data[].attributes.body
The sea can be quit, but also rough. Simulate the sea with a parachute.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Aug 19, 2022 - Hello friends from @happytotshelf Instagram and TikTok! Below you will find all the popular posts and most helpful links without scrolling through our site! But if you like to go straight to Happy Tot Shelf

# data[].attributes.body
Let the children write waves. They can you it on the pavement or in the sand.

# data[].attributes.body
Teach the children about the sun:
- Where does the sun come up?
- A what time does the sun come up?
- What can you do to protect yourself from the sun?
- Can you make a 'clock' using the sun?
- Children stand outside. Let someone draw your shadow. Do the same thing later that day. What has changed?

# data[].attributes.headline
Make a lobster with a hand- and footprint

# data[].attributes.subject
Make a lobster with a hand- and footprint

# data[].attributes.body
A group of students hold and move a big piece of BLUE fabric to simulate ocean waves. Spread different plastic items (bags, bottles etc) on the fabric. The other children are divided into 2 teams- they try to under the waves to catch the most plastic objects. The team with the most, wins.

# data[].attributes.headline
Explore renewable energy: sun,wind,water; explore wind... go to the beach and make a kite fly.

# data[].attributes.subject
Explore renewable energy: sun,wind,water; explore wind... go to the beach and make a kite fly.

# data[].attributes.headline
Pedro Cunha's sound_movement story ( original music by Pedro)

# data[].attributes.subject
Pedro Cunha's sound_movement story ( original music by Pedro)

# data[].attributes.headline
Pedro Cunha's sound_movement story ( narration by Pedro)

# data[].attributes.subject
Pedro Cunha's sound_movement story ( narration by Pedro)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Down In The Deep Blue Sea | ft. Finny The Shark! | Super Simple Songs

# data[].attributes.body
An experiment to let the children experience the difference between sweet and salt water

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
text: proefjes.nl; webdesign/artwork: Tijn Snoodijk; programming: Arno Verweij

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Als je per ongeluk een beetje zeewater drinkt tijdens het zwemmen, is dat heel vies. Maar een beetje zout in je eten vinden veel mensen juist lekker. Dan smaakt zout helemaal niet zo zout. In het volgende proefje kun je zelf ontdekken wanneer iets zout proeft.

# data[].attributes.headline
Make a poem about the sea in your own language, record and send to others.

# data[].attributes.subject
Make a poem about the sea in your own language, record and send to others.

# data[].attributes.body
At the beach you see a lot of windmills. Let the kids make their own windmill.

# data[].attributes.body
Children are sitting still with their eyes closed or slightly opened. They listen to the recording and focus on the different sounds. When a teacher stops the recording, they open their eyes and say how many different sounds they heard. Then they try to name the sounds. If there is enough time, they can also draw what they imagined or how they felt during listening to the sounds.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
8 Hours of Whale Sounds Deep Underwater for Sleep and Relaxation

# data[].attributes.headline
Learn about protecting nests of marine turtles- Caretta Caretta

# data[].attributes.subject
Learn about protecting nests of marine turtles- Caretta Caretta

# data[].attributes.body
Learn about turtles, their eggs and nests, how to protect them, their predators.
Challenge: 5 students are turtles; they lay their eggs( hide them very well). 10 students are predators and 5 are the Eco Guards. When the predators get close to the eggs, the Guards have to run and touch them and the predators have to freeze!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Siamo nel pieno della stagione riproduttiva della Caretta caretta

Sono 10 i nidi di Caretta caretta che i volontari WWF hanno individuato e tengono sotto sorveglianza in Sicilia. Nella parte orientale dell'isola sono stati censiti ad oggi 8 nidi ( 2 a Gioiosa Marea, Messina, grazie al volontario Domenico Giuttari, 4 a Siracusa e 2 a Randello, Ragusa, dove il WWF ringrazia la Forestale che recinta i nidi), trovati grazie ai monitoraggi dei volontari del WWF e alle attività di sensibilizzazione del pubblico e degli esercenti balneari. Particolari ritrovamenti sono stati quelli di Gioiosa Marea, in cui la stessa notte due tartarughe sono emerse nella stessa spiaggia a deporre, a distanza di meno di 100 metri l'una dall'altra: una delle due era emersa due settimane prima ed era stata salvata dalle rocce dalla biologa WWF Oleana Prato, Operatrice Progetto Tartarughe marine WWF Italia e dal volontario Luca Tripi. L'animale si era incastrato mentre cercava di riprendere il largo, sfortunatamente senza aver deposto.

Altro nido particolare è quello trovato dal piccolo Giuseppe, di sette anni, che vedendo i poster affissi nel campeggio, facendo a gara col papà, ha trovato il suo primo nido nella spiaggia dell'Isola delle Correnti, Comune di Portopalo, Siracusa.

Isola delle Correnti , il nido appena scoperto dal piccolo Giuseppe (in piedi con il cappello rosso), accanto a lui Oleana Prato

Sono poi seguite tantissime altre segnalazioni di escursioni o avvistamenti di tartarughe vicino alla costa ma, sfortunatamente, non seguite da ritrovamento dei nidi. Agli otto nidi delle province di Ragusa, Siracusa, Messina si aggiungono i due di Menfi (il primo della stagione in provincia di Agrigento) e Gela, nella Sicilia occidentale, dove i volontari del WWF di Licata hanno censito 109 uova grazie anche all'intervento della Capitaneria di porto.

#GenerAzioneMare

Con la nostra campagna GenerAzione Mare vogliamo tutelare il Capitale Blu del Mediterraneo e le specie che lo abitano.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Sicilia, 10 nidi di tartaruga marina sorvegliati dal WWF | WWF Italia

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Sono 10 i nidi di Caretta caretta che i volontari WWF hanno individuato e tengono sotto sorveglianza in Sicilia. Nella parte orientale dell'isola sono stati censiti ad oggi 8 nidi ( 2 a Gioiosa Marea, Messina, grazie al volontario Domenico Giuttari, 4 a Siracusa e 2 a Randello, Ragusa, dove il WWF ringrazia la Forestale che recinta i nidi), trovati grazie ai monitoraggi dei volontari del WWF e alle attività di sensibilizzazione del pubblico e degli esercenti balneari.

# data[].attributes.headline
Make a beaded shelf of one of the sea animals

# data[].attributes.subject
Make a beaded shelf of one of the sea animals

# data[].attributes.body
Kralenplankjes dieren - zeedieren ~ Juf Milou (juf-milou.nl)

# data[].attributes.headline
Experiment: prepare two bowls and pour water in both but in one you pour lots of salt , in the other not; what happens if put a boat (an egg, a nut shell...) in both of them?

# data[].attributes.subject
Experiment: prepare two bowls and pour water in both but in one you pour lots of salt , in the other not; what happens if put a boat (an egg, a nut shell...) in both of them?

# data[].attributes.headline
Fishing game: with a toy fishing pole and magnets collect the rubbish to clean up the sea.

# data[].attributes.subject
Fishing game: with a toy fishing pole and magnets collect the rubbish to clean up the sea.

# data[].attributes.body
In the summer you go to the beach and you can wear a bikini or swimshorts.
The Superinventor brings cards with pictures. What picture belongs with summer or winter? The kids have to sort them.

# data[].attributes.body
You can practise the English words. What do you do at the beach?

# data[].attributes.headline
Help the fish and turtles get rid of plastic: prepare a mat for coding with plastic bottles, caps etc... and make the fish-robot collect the rubbish.

# data[].attributes.subject
Help the fish and turtles get rid of plastic: prepare a mat for coding with plastic bottles, caps etc... and make the fish-robot collect the rubbish.

# data[].attributes.body
Sing the song/ read the book and do the actions

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A Hole in the Bottom of the Sea | Barefoot Books Singalong

# data[].attributes.headline
Simulate the waves of the sea through sheets, playful parachutes; you can choose different states of the sea (rough, calm...) with a musical background.

# data[].attributes.subject
Simulate the waves of the sea through sheets, playful parachutes; you can choose different states of the sea (rough, calm...) with a musical background.

# data[].attributes.body
What can you do at the beach? Brainstorm with the children.
- beach and sea with seacreatures. Stuffed and plastic animals.
- You can make a beach shop, where you can buy and sell icecream. Make a list of the prices, so children can play there. What does it cost?

# data[].attributes.body
How does a fish breathe under water?

Experiment: https://littlebinsforlittlehands.com/how-do-fish-breathe/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
They're fun to look at in an aquarium or to try to catch in a lake, but did you know that fish breathe? And have you ever wondered how you could see this in action without putting your head under water? You can learn about how fish breathe right at home or in the classroom! This big idea is made tangible for kids with this easy to set up activity to show how fish breathe underwater. We love ocean science activities here!

HOW DO FISH BREATHE UNDERWATER SCIENCE ACTIVITY

HOW DO FISH BREATHE UNDERWATER?

Get ready to add this simple ocean science activity to your lesson plans this year. If you want to learn about how fish breathe underwater, let's dig in! While you're at it, make sure to check out these other fun ocean activities.

Our science activities and experiments are designed with you, the parent or teacher, in mind! Easy to set up, quick to do, most activities will take only 15 to 30 minutes to complete and are heaps of fun! Plus, our supplies lists usually contain only free or cheap materials you can source from home!
Looking for easy to print activities, and inexpensive problem-based challenges? We have you covered... Click below to get your quick and easy STEM challenges.
HOW DO FISH BREATHE SCIENCE ACTIVITY

Let's get right to learning about how do fish breathe. Go ahead and get prepared to see this big idea made understandable for young learners right in your kitchen or classroom.

YOU WILL NEED:

SCIENCE ACTIVITY SET UP:

STEP 1: Fill a cup with water and mix in a tablespoon of coffee grounds.

Discuss how the coffee mixture is like water in the ocean.

STEP 2: Place a coffee filter over the top of your glass jar with a rubber band around the top holding it on.

The coffee filter is like the gills on a fish. See below for more information about fish gills.

STEP 3: Pour the coffee ground and water mixture slowly in the top of the jar over the coffee filter.

STEP 4: Watch the water filter through the coffee filter.

Discuss what has been left behind in the coffee filter. Similarly, what do fish gills filter from the water? Where does the oxygen go?

CLASSROOM TIPS

This simple ocean science activity works well combined with lots of discussion. Get kids thinking by asking questions about how they breathe, and extend it to what they might already know about how fish breathe.

For example; Can fish breathe out of water? Why or why not?

THE SIMPLE SCIENCE OF HOW FISH BREATHE

Do fish have lungs? No, fish have gills instead of lungs and so they can't take oxygen in from the air like we do. Instead they get their oxygen from the water.

But how does that happen? Water goes in the mouth of the fish and out its gills. Gills are made of very thin tissue which acts like a filter to remove oxygen from the water and release carbon dioxide.

Water moves through the fish gills, and as it does so the gills pull oxygen out of the water and into the blood to take it to all the cells in the fish's body.

Here, the coffee filter represents the gills, and the coffee grounds represent the oxygen. The coffee filter gill is collecting the oxygen to send to the fish's circulatory system.

Did you know that hermit crabs also use gills even though they can come out of the water too? However, they can only do this in humid conditions where the gills can pull the moisture from the air!

WHY CAN'T FISH BREATHE OUT OF WATER?

Another interesting question to ask is why fish can't breathe out of water? Certainly, there's still plenty of oxygen for them, right?

Unfortunately, their gills collapse and then can't function properly to pull in the oxygen they need and circulate it through their system.

Even though we can get oxygen from the air we breathe in, the air in our lungs is very moist to make it easier to exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide.

LEARN ABOUT MORE OCEAN ANIMALS

HOW DO FISH BREATHE ACTIVITY FOR OCEAN SCIENCE

Discover more fun and easy science & STEM activities right here. Click on the link or on the image below.
Looking for easy to print activities, and inexpensive problem-based challenges? We have you covered... Click below to get your quick and easy STEM challenges.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
They're fun to look at in an aquarium or to try to catch in a lake, but did you know that fish breathe? And have you ever wondered how you could see this in action without putting your head under water? You can learn about how fish breathe right at home or in the classroom!

# data[].attributes.body
This can be a group project. Turn a wall into a seaworld!

# data[].attributes.body
Make your own stamps to make the scales.

# data[].attributes.body
Try to imitate sounds of sea- listen first and then perform! Seagulls, penguins, seals, whales, waves, lighthouse fog horn and ships.

# data[].attributes.body
Programme a beebot to make a boat move, using cardinal directions

# data[].attributes.headline
Listen to the sound of the sea from a seashell; make an instrument to reproduce the sound of the sea (e.g. Ocean Drum.....) and compare different results from different countries.

# data[].attributes.subject
Listen to the sound of the sea from a seashell; make an instrument to reproduce the sound of the sea (e.g. Ocean Drum.....) and compare different results from different countries.

# data[].attributes.body
This is a simple game played outdoors. It teaches children something new about the world around us and improves their motor skills. It can be played by 3 to 10 players and it is suitable for children from the age of 5.
STEP 1
Find a soft stick and a flat yard or playground. First, draw a large circle and divide it into as many equal parts as there are players. Each player names his/her part after the sea, oceans, rivers ...
STEP 2
Players stand outside the circle, each in front of their own box. One player takes the soft stick and places it in the centre of the circle, dropping it on the ground. The other players must be alert because if the stick falls on their square, they must quickly step on it and shout 'STOP'. The others, meanwhile, run as far away as possible and stop when the 'STOP' is called.
STEP 3
The player holding the soft stick then tries to hit one of the players with it. If he succeeds, he can take some part of his/her sea otherwise, it is taken from the person who was targeted but not hit. The player steals the sea by standing on his own field and drawing a chalk line as far as possible into the territory of the hit player. Players end the game when there is no more sea left.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
YOGA for Children - Aquatic Animals Yoga Poses  - Yoga Practice Tutorial

# data[].attributes.headline
Class project: create an underwater world

# data[].attributes.subject
Class project: create an underwater world

# data[].attributes.body
This is a group challenge. Each child can make a different animal.

# data[].attributes.body
Make ocean calming bottles and place them in an ocean calming area.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
20 Atividades Fundo do Mar para Maternal!!! | Ocean crafts, Under the sea theme, Ocean themes

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Oct 4, 2022 - Oi gente!!! Segue uma sequencia de atividades para Maternal com o tema: Fundo do mar - para Maternal!!! Peixinhos com forminha…

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.authors[].name
Baby Shark - Pinkfong Kids’ Songs & Stories

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Baby Shark Dance | #babyshark Most Viewed Video | Animal Songs | PINKFONG Songs for Children

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A Sailor Went To Sea | Kids Songs | Super Simple Songs

# data[].attributes.body
The kids will help the Superinventors to make the water clean. They will make a filter.

# data[].attributes.headline
Take a walk on the beach, collect what you find (shells, rocks, crabs, wood sticks, "Neptune balls", then classify and (Art) complete the painting of the sea with what you've found.

# data[].attributes.subject
Take a walk on the beach, collect what you find (shells, rocks, crabs, wood sticks, "Neptune balls", then classify and (Art) complete the painting of the sea with what you've found.

# data[].attributes.body
Predicting if different items will float or sink.

# data[].attributes.headline
Send a photo of your beaches and then compare Italian, Slovenian, Dutch and Portuguese ones; point out the differences.

# data[].attributes.subject
Send a photo of your beaches and then compare Italian, Slovenian, Dutch and Portuguese ones; point out the differences.

# data[].attributes.body
Build a boat that can float, maybe with weights on it. Use different materials.

# data[].attributes.body
The superinventors are on a vacation to the beach. They want to write a postcard to their friends in the partner countries. The children make their own postcards and write a text on it.

# data[].attributes.body
Who can make the biggest, strongest or most beautiful sandcastle? What do you use to strengthen it. Upload it onto the Padlet. Pupils can do it at home or at school, by themselves or in small groups.

# data[].attributes.headline
Paint different colours of the sea; why has the sea different colours?

# data[].attributes.subject
Paint different colours of the sea; why has the sea different colours?

# data[].attributes.headline
Reading the Super Inventors book to the children.

# data[].attributes.subject
Reading the Super Inventors book to the children.

# data[].attributes.body
- Read the book to the children
- Ask the children questions about the book: where are they going? What can you do at the beach? What is the problem with the sea for the turtle?
- You can pause after the problem with the turtle. How can they solve the problem?

# data[].attributes.body
Learning about different types of fish, different types of fishing, problems of overfishing, visiting fishing/boat museums.
Challenge: fishing magnet game- how many fish they can catch in a minute, but you can't overfish(not more than 20!)

# data[].attributes.body
Use natural or waste material and use it to create a sea creature.

# data[].attributes.headline
Links to diverse pre school sea activities

# data[].attributes.subject
Links to diverse pre school sea activities

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Learning about the ocean is an excellent way to expose your preschoolers to nature's wonders, especially since Earth's surface is 71% water! So, what can you find in the ocean, and how can you teach this content to your kids? We have put together 25 hands-on sea life activities; from sensory tables to math and science experiments, to engage your children in learning about the ocean. Dive right in!

1. Sensory Bins

Mix baking soda and vinegar to create fizzy "ocean water" and invite kids to explore marine life at their water table! Add sea shells and sea creature toys for sensory play, learning about ocean animals, and scientific reactions.

Learn More: Parenting Chaos

2. Ocean Sensory Bottle

Create mesmerizing ocean scenes in bottles with kids using just simple materials. Shake to mix, and then watch the colorful 'waves' crash and lap at the sides of the bottle. This is a great calming activity with an engaging, take-anywhere result.

Learn More: And Next Comes L

3. Sea Animal Yoga

Immerse yourself in an engaging underwater adventure while learning relaxing yoga poses. Join aquatic animals as you strengthen and stretch, then unwind with kids' yoga. Discover how yoga can help children swim through life with smiles and skills.

Learn More: Smile and Learn - English

4. Underwater Sounds

Kids can explore how sound travels through the water with this simple experiment. Submerge objects and listen through a makeshift underwater hydrophone. They'll discover sound is louder and clearer underwater and learn how whales and fish hear in their aquatic world.

Learn More: Still Playing School

5. Oil Spills

Engage your kids in an exciting science investigation of oil spills and their disastrous effects, then invite them to experiment with ways to contain and clean up the spill using common materials. An engaging, hands-on learning experience with real-world implications.

Learn More: Science Sparks

6. Process Art

Beat the summer heat by making ocean crafts! Grab blue paint, tissue paper, glue, and sand, and imagine you're at the beach. Kids will love crumpling tissue paper for waves and adding sand and starfish to their creations.

Learn More: Stay-At-Home Educator

7. Foil Fish

Kids will love creating sparkling tropical fish! Cut and shape foil, add color and texture, then glue onto ocean backgrounds. This engaging craft is easy, recyclable, and perfect for little hands. Give it a try for a fun afternoon of creating!

Learn More: Confessions of a Homeschooler

8. Rescuing Frozen Sea Animals

Rescue frozen sea creatures from icy blocks by chipping and melting the ice in this fun ocean-themed activity. This easy 30-second setup leads to 30 minutes of sensory and scientific fun for toddlers to big kids.

Learn More: Mas and Pas

9. Animal Nomenclature Cards

Using animal nomenclature cards is one of the best lesson plans to teach about sea life. This hands-on, Montessori approach allows students to see pictures and names and match them to learn word recognition and marine life!

Learn More: Bubba and Bear

10. Sticky Fish

This fish-themed activity invites children to create their colorful sticky fish! Cut cardstock fish and mount on contact paper. Kids add tissue paper, foil, and gems. A fun, open-ended craft to explore textures and colors. Display as suncatchers or leave as a reusable sticky wall activity.

Learn More: Toddler Approved

11. Layers of the Ocean

Create an engaging ocean zone jar to teach kids about ocean layers and density. Make colorful layers representing the ocean's zones and invite your child to explore the fantastic creatures that inhabit each one.

Learn More: PBS

12. Ocean Animal Matching

Create an engaging ocean zone jar to teach kids about ocean layers and density in this teacher's favorite ocean activity. Make colorful layers representing the ocean's zones and invite your child to explore the fantastic creatures that inhabit each one.

Learn More: Rainy Day, Mum

13. Sea Shell Prints

Create lasting keepsakes from nature: press delicate shells into the salt dough to make fossil imprints, then bake them into hard decorations that capture the memory of collecting by the seashore. Plus, with just a few activity modifications, you can use this with plastic sea animals and more!

Learn More: The Imagination Tree

14. Coffee Filter Suncatchers

Create ocean animal crafts for kids with colorful coffee filters, markers, and paper. Follow the tutorial to cut and assemble suncatchers of sea turtles, starfish, and shells. Then, tie them with string and display them in sunny windows.

Learn More: Hawaii Travel With Kids

15. Coral Reef Sponge Painting

Create stunning coral reef art using sponges and paint for an exciting project that brings to life the vibrant colors of coral reefs. This easy, hands-on activity allows students to make colorful underwater scenes.

Learn More: Primary Theme Park

16. Dolphin Ocean Slime

Create magical ocean slime with your kids! Mix clear and blue glues, water, liquid starch, and food coloring for a sparkly sensory adventure and add ocean animal figurines for an immersive ocean experience your children won't forget. This fun hands-on activity will have them engaged for hours!

Learn More: The Frugal Navy Wife

17. Seashell Washing

Engage your child in discovery as you clean beautiful seashells together, observing shapes and colors, then researching the mysterious creatures that once inhabited the various shells. An engaging, hands-on adventure awaits!

Learn More: Bright Horizons

18. Sea Foam Sensory Play

Create whipped sea foam in your tub with this activity for kids! Mix soap and water, whip until peaks form, then play. Experience the bubbly texture and scent of the ocean, then watch as the magical foam melts away.

Learn More: FunShine Blog

19. Seashell Sort

This engaging hands-on activity will teach children to classify and sort different seashells by size, shape, and color. You can even do this preschool activity with plastic sea creatures!

Learn More: Sempre Clarisse

20. Tide Pool Art

Children will love making simple tide pool art-adding natural sand provides sensory fun. Perfect for ocean units, this craft invites kids to observe sea life by drawing and painting it. Then they add sand with glue for a unique, coastal-themed project.

Learn More: Buggy and Buddy

21. Octopus Counting

Learning numbers and counting will be an engaging adventure with this cute octopus craft. Kids ages 3+ will cut and glue paper to create a numbered sea creature, developing fine motor and math skills while having fun.

Learn More: All Kids Network

22. How Do Fish Breathe?

Discover how fish breathe by pouring "oxygen"-filled water through a filter, simulating how actual fish gills extract oxygen from water-a fun, engaging science experiment for kids! This ocean activity is a great way to get kids involved with science as they learn.

Learn More: Como Zoo Conservatory

23. Dissolve A Shell

This engaging summer activity invites kids to dissolve seashells in vinegar, visually demonstrating how acid affects calcium carbonate. Kids will love watching the shells dissolve, and bubbles form in this hands-on chemistry lesson that sneakily teaches ocean conservation.

Learn More: Tinas Dynamic Homeschool Plus

24. Salt Dough Star Fish

Made from salt dough and decorated however you like, these cute starfish crafts are the perfect summer project for kids and families. Follow the simple steps to shape and bake your sea creatures, then get creative with colors and details!

Learn More: The Crafting Chicks

25. Coral Blow Painting

Discover an exciting new art technique-blow painting! You can create colorful ocean coral reefs and seal animal habitats with straws, paint, and paper. This fun sensory activity invites kids to explore creativity by experimenting with angles, colors, and blowing techniques.

Learn More: Woo Jr.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
25 Amazing Sea Life Activities For Preschoolers - Teaching Expertise

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Learning about the ocean is an excellent way to expose your preschoolers to nature's wonders, especially since Earth's surface is 71% water! So, what can you find in the ocean, and how can you teach this content to your kids?

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Aren't coral reefs beautiful? I love all the vibrant colors that seamlessly blend together. They create a gorgeous ecosystem. This easy coral reef art project allows students to make their own stunning coral reefs with just a little paint and some sponges!

Materials

light blue construction paper

acrylic paint in various bright colors

sponges

permanent black marker

scissors

paper plates

Directions

I found a pack of small sponges for just a few dollars at the grocery store. The sponges are about the size of an index card.

Use a black permanent marker to draw various coral shapes on the sponges. Cut the shapes out with scissors.

Put a generous amount of paint onto a paper plate. We used one paint color per paper plate.

Dip and rub the sponges in the paint. Then press them down on the construction paper. Continue with different sponges in different colors to create a coral reef scene. Use one of the leftover sponge pieces to create sand at the bottom of the paper.

Warning: Little fingers may get messy! 🙂 You might want to keep wipes or wet paper towels handy for students to wipe their hands.

I've also tried this project using watercolor paper instead of construction paper. Just have students paint the background with watercolor paint and allow it to dry before sponge painting. The watercolor pictures turn out just as beautiful!

Once the sponge painting is dry, you might allow students to use a small paintbrush and the leftover paint to add a few fish or ocean animals swimming in the coral reef.

Corals' True Color

Did you know corals are actually white? That's right! The hard exoskeleton corals build around their soft bodies is white. Corals get their beautiful colors from the algae living inside them. If the algae leaves the coral due to stress or dies, corals lose their vibrant color and turn white. This is called coral bleaching.

More Ocean Resources

This coral reef activity is part of my ocean unit for kindergarten and first grade. Find more ocean resources for young learners by clicking the links below:

Ocean Videos for Kids Dolphin Number Line Activity

Whale Blow Painting Art Project for Kids Sea Turtle Life Cycle Activities for K-1

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Coral Reef Art Project - Primary Theme Park

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Aren't coral reefs beautiful? I love all the vibrant colors that seamlessly blend together. They create a gorgeous ecosystem. This easy coral reef art project allows students to make their own stunning coral reefs with just a little paint and some sponges!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Foil Fish Kids Craft - Confessions of a Homeschooler

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Ready for a fun kids craft? I don't know about your kids, but mine love anything involving aluminum foil. We've used it to make boats, balls, leaf impressions, moons, magic wands...you get the idea. We like foil. Plus it's recyclable, a nice bonus. So today we're going to make some...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
An oil spill is when sea water is contaminated with oil. This can be an accident or human error. Oil spills can be massively damaging to marine wildlife and also humans if the oil gets into the food chain. This hand-on oil spill science experiment is not only great for helping children visualise the effects of an oil spill, but also demonstrates how water and oil don't mix and why oil floats on water.

Oil Spill Experiment for Kids

You'll need

Clear plastic container

Tray

Vegetable oil

Spoon or pipette

Water

Cotton wool

Cotton buds

Paper towel

Sponge

Oil Spill Investigation Instructions

Step 1 - Add Oil to Water

Half fill the clear container with water. Drop a small amount of oil onto the water.

The oil will float on top of the water. Even if you shake the container ( cover it first ) the oil and water will separate again.

Use a cotton bud to move the oil around surface of the water.

Step 2 - Oil Clean Up

Pour enough water into the tray so the surface is completely covered and the tray is about half full.

Carefully drop two tablespoons of oil onto the surface of the water.

Experiment with the absorbent materials to discover which cleans up the oil spill the best.

Oil Spill Challenges

Try to build something to contain oil to one area of the tray.

Try the experiment again, but this time use the same amount of each absorbing material and collect the oil for the same amount of time. Which material absorbs the oil the most effectively?

Another idea is to dip a feather in the oily water and watch as it starts to feel heavier. Imagine being a bird with oil covered feathers. This activity can be further extended by exploring different methods of cleaning oil covered feathers. Water and water with washing up liquid are great things to try first.

Read about the biggest oil spills in history.

If you found our oil spill science experiment useful you might also enjoy our edible greenhouse gas models.

Last Updated on November 3, 2021 by Emma Vanstone

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Clean It Up - Oil Spill Experiment for Kids

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
An oil spill is when sea water is contaminated with oil. This can be an accident or human error. Oil spills can be massively damaging to marine wildlife and also humans if the oil gets into the food chain .

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
YOGA for Children - Aquatic Animals Yoga Poses  - Yoga Practice Tutorial