Fun Activities for Kids, Families, and Teachers

Besides the beautiful Ocean Animals Felt Board set that is full of wonderful activity ideas, here is another thematic unit to try this summer! Have fun!

Art Appreciation - Exploration - Crafts

Learning about Negative Space
Look at pictures from literature or magazines. Talk about what they see in the ‘background’ around the main subject matter. Using any media you wish (I like how oil pastels look with this!) draw outlines only of fish or sea creatures, but make sure they are all connected somehow so that there isn’t any one large background part showing. Overlap them, have them appear to be at different angles, etc. as if they were underwater together. Look at pictures of fish for examples.

It is very important to have something touching all edges of the paper! There should be no fish or sea creatures floating alone - they should be connected on the interior as well as appearing to run off the edge or at least touching the edges somewhere so that there is no edge of the paper without some drawing up to it (I hope this makes sense - hard to teach art without a visual!). Add detail to the fish/sea creatures still using the same color, in outline only (do not color them in!).

Place newspaper or something under the paper so that the edges can be colored. You should also provide a paper towel to cover the negative space that has been colored as well as under the coloring hand to prevent the oil pastels from smearing.

Color in the negative spaces using a maximum of 3 colors. The reason for this is to keep the drawing balanced so that the eye will know where to look! If more than 3 colors are used, it is confusing to the eye. First color in the outside edges of the negative space and then filling it in. You must color it in hard enough to cover all of the background paper! Work from the top downward, filling in all of the negative space - do not color in the fish themselves!

A tip if using oil pastels - give the drawing a coat of polymer/modge podge brushed on evenly and then dry over night. This will give it a laminated look and draw out more of the bright colors! Allow to dry overnight.

Finger Painting

Finger paint a scene with blue paint all over (background), and then cut out a boat and then glue goldfish crackers underneath the boat and add foil stars in the sky. When painting, try adding white to make the sky lighter and maybe add yellow for the sun. Add yarn to make a fishing line into the water. Add stickers of different sea life, etc.

Under the Sea Diorama

Dioramas are a fun way to take part of our big world and put it into a small box that we can peer into, relate to, and hopefully let our imaginations soar into to fill in the missing elements.

Materials needed:
Shoebox, or other small box
colored construction paper
glue
sand
optional: paint, seashells, clear plastic wrap

Lay your box on its side and cover the inside with dark blue construction paper (or paint the inside of the box if you prefer). Spread a thin layer of glue on the bottom and sprinkle on sand. Shake out any excess sand when the glue is dried. Now let your imagination go as you create sea life to fill your diorama. Paint seaweed and fish on the walls of the box, cut out fish and plant life from construction paper, glue sea shells and coral pieces to the bottom, add plastic fish or plants if you have any on hand. Try to create a 3-D effect by placing sea life in different areas. Use folded paper, or popsicle sticks to hold pieces up, or hang pieces from the top with “invisible” string. When you have your underwater world as you want it, cover the front with a piece of plastic wrap. To create an additional effect, paint or cover the outside of the box with paper. Crumble up blue tissue paper and glue to the top for waves, then place a toy boat on top.

Mini Aquarium Diorama

styrofoam tray
construction paper and/or paint
plastic wrap
aqarium gravel,sand, shells, etc.

Cover a flat styrofoam tray with dark blue paper (or any color to suit your fancy). You may also paint the tray if you prefer. This is your “aquarium”. Now use your imagination to fill it up! Paint fish on the tray, or glue on fish that you have cut out from paper. Glue gravel, small rocks or sand onto the bottom. Don’t forget that your fish need oxygen, so be sure and add some plants! How about adding some snails, or frogs? When you are finished, cover with plastic wrap and use tape to secure it to the back.

P.E. Games - Movement Activities

I use the following games when teaching kindergarten up through 5th grade. Kids of all ages enjoy these!

In the Sea, On the Shore

Lay a rope on the ground (or use the painted lines if need be). Children all stand on one side of the rope, parallel to it (facing sideways, not toward the rope). Leader calls out “In the Sea!” and kids jump sideways to the other side of the rope in one jump. Leader then calls “On the Shore!” and the kids jump back. Leader does this several times except starts to deliberately trick them by saying things like “On the Door!” or “In the Tree!” etc. and also by going faster and faster! Children can only jump when the correct command is given! If they make a mistake, they must go sit down. When only a few are left, start over.

Port and Starboard

In a long open space area designate one side as Port and one side as Starboard. Have children start on Port side. The Captain calls out orders to run to one side or the other and then whistles to stop them and then gives a command for a position they must assume for fun. If they run in the wrong direction or act out the wrong position they are out.
Positions to call out:
Beauty on the beach! (hands on hips and wiggle)
Muscle Man on the beach! (arms up flexing muscles)
Shark in the Water! (pretend to swim frantically)
Surfers! (pretend to be on a surfboard)
Man Overboard! (lay on ground, waving hands and feet)
EX: Children are on one side of the yard, Captain calls out STARBOARD! Everyone starts running to the other side and then Captain blows the whistle and shouts MAN OVER BOARD! Everyone drops and starts waving hands and feet. Anyone not doing it is out!

Sealife Scramble

In a large area, designate a starting line and a finish line. All children start on one line, and the Captain calls out various animals - zoo animals, jungle animals, birds, pet, as well as sea life. Any time a sea life animal is called the children RUN to the other side while the Captain tries to tag them! First one tagged trades places with Captain and it starts over.

Sardines

This game is like Hide and Seek but one person hides and the others seek! As each child finds the hider, they join him and hide in there together like sardines until the last person finds them. He then becomes the next hider.

Octopus

Kids in groups of at least 4 stand in a tight circle, shoulder to shoulder. They thrust hands forward and join hands with the other children making sure not to get the same person’s hands twice or the hands of the person directly next to them. Then try to untangle going over, under, or through the other players (teaches cooperative problem solving!). They must NOT release their grips EVER! For extra fun, have 2 groups doing it at once and see who can get untangled the fastest! If they are really truly stuck, have them start over.

Ocean Cooking - Ocean Snacks

Celery Canoes - Have children clean and dry celery, then measure off into 3″ pieces and spread with either peanut butter or cream cheese flavored with cheddar.

Tunafish Sandwiches - Children can learn to open the can, drain the tuna, smush with a fork and mix with mayonnaise, then add seasonings to taste. Spread on bread of choice.

Banana Boats - Line a bowl with bananas sliced lengthwise. Fill with ice cream and toppings!

Under the Sea Jell-O - Prepare blue Jell-O and about half way through the setting time, insert shark shaped fruit snacks. Try setting the Jell-O in clear glasses or plastic disposable cups so the sea life will be seen underneath.

Goin’ Fishing!

Goldfish crackers
Pretzel rods
peanut butter

Have the children put their crackers on the table or in a bowl. Dip a pretzel rod in the peanut butter, then “fish” for goldfish. Count how many you pick up, talk about why they “stuck” to the peanut butter, How many did your friend pick up, etc. The possibilities for counting, estimating, science, etc. are endless.

Ocean Writing Ideas

Sunken Ship Mystery
Have the children write a story about a sunken ship - Describe it under the sea. How did it get there? What might have been on it? What might be living there now? Illustrate the story.

If I Could be an Ocean Animal

Discuss various ocean animals (whales, sharks, jellyfish, eels, etc.) and their characteristics. Have the students brainstorm and make a list of all the ocean animals discussed in class. If they could be one animal for a day from that list, what would it be? Then on a separate sheet of paper, they are to make a list of the following 10 aspects of that animal’s life and answer them about their ocean animal.

1.environment
2.shelter/protection
3.migration
4.location in the world
5.location in the water
6.coloration/camouflage
7.how do they swim/move/anchor
8.body type and covering
9.predators/prey
10.friends

The first paragraph should state the name of the animal and describe its surroundings. The second paragraph should include information about predators/prey and what other types of fish or friends it hangs out with in its environment. The final and third paragraph should state the student’s reasoning for choosing that animal (ideally it should be one of the 10 aspects of that animal’s life).

Story Starter Ideas

• If you could be anything in the ocean, what would you want to be?
• Once upon a time there was an octopus who couldn’t find a thing to wear.
• Once upon a time there was a friendly shark who couldn’t find a friend.
• There once was a crab who got his leg stuck between the ocean rocks.
• There once was a jellyfish who wished he was a real fish.
• One day, a boy swam to the bottom of the ocean and played tag with a schoolof fish.

Give the children the chance to illustrate their stories with markers and crayons.

Sea Life Jokes

Question: What did the shrimp say after his dinner?
Answer: Shrimply delicious.

Question: What kind of dog lives on the beach?
Answer: A hot dog.

Question: What kind of fish like suntans?
Answer: Beached whales.

Question: What is the smallest thing on the beach?
Answer: A micro-wave.

Oral Language - Skits - Puppets

Some possible ocean theme topics for skits:

Shipwrecked on a deserted island.
Day at the Beach gone wrong!
Shark attack!
Search for Sunken Treasure!

Ocean Music Appreciation and Songs

Our American heritage is rich with history that can be learned through folk songs. The following descriptions are taken from 2 books my mother passed down to me.

Blow the Man Down

From Folksong Festival, edited by Irwin Silber, 1967
The 1840s to 1870s was the age of the great clipper ships of England and the US - ships that roamed the 7 seas as messengers of trade and passage in a rapidly expanding world. One of the great incentives to this development was the discovery of gold in California. From 1849 on, hundreds of ships sailed through the awesome Golden Gate every year. And on these ships a great body of song grew up - work songs, ballads, shanties. This one may very well be the granddaddy of them all.

Oh blow the man down bullies. blow the man down!
To me way aye, blow the man down!
Oh blow the man down bullies, blow him right down!
Give me some time to blow the man down!

Michael Row the Boat Ashore

From Hootenanny Song Book, Consolidated Music Publishers, 1963
The Georgia Sea Islands off the Atlantic coast of the southern US are rich in traditional song. Slaves brought to the islands from Africa in the days before the Civil War were almost completely isolated from mainland life. The only connection between the islands and the mainland was across the water, and the crews of small boats which went back and forth prided themselves on the music they would make while rowing.

Chorus:
Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah!
Michael row the boat ashore, hallelujah!

Michael’s boat is a music boat, hallelujah!
Michael’s boat is a music boat, hallelujah!
Chorus

Sister, help him to trim the sail, hallelujah!
Sister, help him to trim the sail, hallelujah!
Chorus

Jordan’s river is deep and wide, hallelujah!
Meet my mother on the other side, hallelujah!
Chorus

Jordan’s river is chilly and cold, hallelujah!
Kills the body but not the soul, hallelujah!
Chorus

Fish Alive (just for fun!)

1 - 2 - 3, 4, 5
Once I caught a fish alive!
6 - 7 - 8. 9. 10
Then I let it go again!

Why did you let it go?
‘Cause he bit my finger so!
Which finger did he bite?
This little finger on my right! (tickle!)

Ocean Science Activities

Make an Ocean

Materials:
blue food coloring
denatured alcohol
paint thinner
large glass container or bottle

Pour enough of the denatured alcohol to fill a little less than half your container. Add enough blue food coloring to achieve the desired color. Then pour in an equal amount of paint thinner. You now have ocean waves! The alcohol and the paint thinner won’t mix. You can also put a piece of blue paper behind the bottle to look like the blue sky.

Keeping a Sailboat Dry Under Water
Adapted from Science on a Shoestring by Herb Strongin

Materials:
food coloring
1 clear container such as a clear Rubbermaid shoe box
sponge
1 clear plastic cup
1 1″ x 1/2″ piece of cork or styrofoam for hull of boat
triangular paper sail
1 straight pin or toothpick

Concepts: Air is all around us. It is an important part of our environment but air and water cannot be in t he same place at the same time.

Procedure: Hold up the cup and talk about how there is air in the cup. Fill the container with water with a little food coloring added. Make a sailboat using the cork/styrofoam with the pin/toothpick into the hull and then through the paper triangle. Experiment with it until you can make one that floats. Make sure the sail doesn’t get wet! Ask what they think would happen if they put the cup over the boat as it floated on the water, pushing the cup to the bottom of the container? This is their hypothesis - write it down. Carefully try it - hold the cup down for a minute then raise the cup slowly straight up and out of the water. Have them observe the sail - is it wet or dry? (should be dry!) Why is it dry? (the air in the cup kept the water out of it). Try it again but this time look straight down into the cup as you lower it. What do you notice? (there is no color and therefore no water in the cup). Record their observations.

Additional activity: Notice what happens to the boat as the cup is lifted (it moves toward the side of the cup) and discuss why this would happen. Let children hypothesize why this would happen. The water produces a convex bow which causes the boat to drift down toward the edge of the cup as it is lifted.

Discuss Ocean Pollution

Help children understand the problem of trash - especially plastic trash – in the ocean and how animals often mistake the trash for food and die from eating it. Explain that animals also get strangled or drown when tangled in plastic.

Ocean Math Activities

Weight Activity
Objective: To determine how much weight a boat will carry using a gram scale.

Materials: tub of water, gram scale, foil, marbles, erasers, paper clips, wooden or plastic cubes, & tacks.

Directions: 1. Fill a sink or tub almost half full of water. 2. Use a piece of foil to make a boat. 3. Try floating the boat on the water. 4. Estimate how much weight it will carry and still float. 5. When you have a boat that floats, gather objects to put into boat. 6. Before you put each object in the boat, weigh it. Write its weight on the chart. 7. Each time you put an item in the boat, add its weight to the total. 8. Find out how much the boat will carry.

Make a table: I estimate this boat can carry ______ grams.

Name of the object:            Weight:
_______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________ _______________________________
_______________________________
_______________________________
Total weight ____________

Social Studies - Geography

Looking at a map of the world, have the children locate and identify the 5 main oceans. See if they can identify an animal or activity we associate with that ocean - EX: Arctic = polar bears. Practice naming the seas and locating them.

Ocean Field Trip/Excursions

Visit the beach and explore tide pools! Visit your local Aquarium and investigate Ocean Animals. Keep a journal in which children record their experiences and what they saw in both pictures and writing.

Field trips could include the zoo (we have a pretty good aquatic section at ours), a pet store–a lot of stores now carry more exotic types of fish and stuff.

Aquarium Scavenger Hunt

If you are fortunate to live near a large Aquatic Zoo or Aquarium, you might like to use this scavenger hunt list on your next visit. This is a fun way to help kids notice more details and enhance the enjoyment and can be equally successful with one child or a group. Depending on the temperament or age of the child(ren), be sure to offer support as needed.

As you walk through the aquarium, try to find:
1. an animal that blends into its surroundings
2. a species of fish in which the male and female are different colors
3. an animal that can change colors
4. a very flat fish
5. an animal that produces light
6. an animal that lives in a shell
7. an animal that’s attached to something else
8. an animal that eats other animals
9. an animal that looks like a plant
10. an animal that spends most of its time on the bottom of the ocean
11. a type of seaweed
12. an animal that escapes enemies by swimming very quickly
13. an animal or plant that drifts near the surface
14. an animal that must go to the surface to breathe air
15. an animal with tentacles
16. an animal that spends part of its time in water and part of its time on
land.

This list was taken from Ranger Rick’s Nature Scope: Diving Into Oceans. Available from the National Wildlife Federation, 1412 Sixteenth Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20036-2266 (check to see if your local library carries the Nature Scope series)

Do you have some more Ocean Theme ideas to share here? Let us know in the Comments area!