Hands-On Activities

How To Make A Fun Ant Farm : Mason Jar Craft

June 19, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

We’re using our jars to make a mason jar craft which is a fun ant farm. Also, look at this Free Ant Unit Study for more fun ideas.

Using a simple mason jar your kids can spend hours watching the fascinating life of an ant. Besides, your kids can peek at the way they dig tunnels and build their little city all in your home.

And you can use a clean and clear plastic filled container or clear glass jar, whatever you have on hand.

How To Make A Fun Ant Farm : Mason Jar Craft

Once you fill your container your can see the ants go to work.

Inside the ant farm you can see how they work, how they build and how they live.

They work together and even problem solve. If you have a science journal, take notes and do drawings to see how the ant farm changes.

BOOKS ABOUT ANTS FOR KIDS

Then add some of these fun books about ants to your reading day.

9 Ant Books & Resources For Kids

Add some of these fun books about ants to your home library.

Ant Cities (Lets Read and Find Out Books)

Did you ever wonder where an ant goes when it disappears into an anthill? Underneath the hill, there are miles of tunnels and hundreds of rooms!

In this Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children (NSTA/CBC), Arthur Dorros uses simple, easy-to-understand words and colorful illustrations to guide early readers on the life of a harvester ant—and even shows readers how to build their own ant farms.

This is a clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. It's a Level 2 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out, which means the book explores more challenging concepts for children in the primary grades. The 100+ titles in this leading nonfiction series are:

The Life and Times of the Ant

Not mighty in size, but mighty in resourcefulness and industry, the ant has crawled the earth since prehistoric times. It has dwelt in rainforest tree trunks and acorns of oak trees, beneath logs, and under sidewalks. It has protected forests by capturing insects, cleared weeds away from acacia trees, and by growing gardens has released important nutrients into the soil. Seed lifters, dirt diggers, social beings, ants have the most advanced brain of all insects! So watch where you step, especially on a warm day: a small but mighty ant may be underfoot.

Wonders of the Anthill

Exactly as the title implies. A description of the daily routine of an ant's life cycle.

Amazing Ants. A Kid's Book of Cool Facts and Pictures of Ants

Please note that this book is not for toddlers. It is better for children ages 8 and up.This engaging and informative book introduces kids to the world of ants.This fun book is packed with cool facts, illustrations, and pictures of ants.It's perfect for inspiring kids to learn more about these amazing creatures. Whether it's a science fair project, a report, or for pure enjoyment, this book is a great source of information for the ant enthusiast.

Life Cycle of an Ant Set - Realistic Ant Development Stages

Educational Journey: The Life Cycle of an Ant Set takes children on an enlightening journey from the tiny white eggs to the industrious adult ants. The set includes figurines depicting four stages: egg, larvae, pupae, and adult ant.
Realistic Representation: The set accurately mirrors the development stages and colors of ants, making it a powerful educational tool that blends learning and play.

Ants for Kids: A Junior Scientist's Guide to Queens, Drones, and the Hidden World of Ants

Ants are scurrying, social creatures with unique abilities to carry huge loads, work as a team, and fiercely protect their colony. This book gives you a microscopic look into the hidden world of ants, answering all your big questions about our small, hardworking neighbors. Learn fun facts about flat headed Turtle Ants, wide-eyed Gigantiops, and many more. Explore colorful photos and cool profiles on how big each ant is, what they eat, where they're found, and more!

The City Under the Back Steps

Down beneath the ground they are herded, to the city under the back steps and the complex world of the ant colony. Here where the haughty Queen rules with an iron hand, each of her subjects has a vital role to perform, and Jill and Craig are put to work. But no sooner had they become involved in the daily routine of the colony when an army of red ants sweeps down, threatening the destruction of the city and its
inhabitants, including Jill and Craig!

Evelyn Sibley Lampman's exciting fantasy, sure to ignite an interest in nature, accurately explores the fascinating hierarchy of the ant world.

The End of the Beginning: Being the Adventures of a Small Snail (and an Even Smaller Ant)

Avon the snail has never had an adventure. And adventure, he has heard, is the key to a happy life. So with his new friend Edward the ant, Avon sets out on a journey to find the excitement his life has been missing.This modern fable is filled with funny--and profound--insights about the meaning of things . . . great and small.

Those Amazing Ants

A clear, simple text and full-color, richly detailed artwork journey inside an ant colony to provide a close-up look at the lives, behavior, and life cycle of this fascinating insect.

Next, look at more mason jar crafts for fun hands-on projects.

MORE MASON JAR CRAFTS

Finally look at how to build this fun ant farm.

MASON JAR ANT FARM

First, look at this short list of supplies:

1 clean mason jar
1 empty toilet paper roll
Dirt from outside
A spoon or toy shovel
Ants (safely collected from your yard)
Small piece of mesh or breathable fabric
Rubber band
Optional: sugar water or tiny crumbs for feeding

Prepare the Jar:
Start with a clean, empty mason jar.

Add the Toilet Paper Roll:
Stand the empty toilet paper roll upright in the center of the jar.

This helps direct the ants to tunnel near the glass, so kids can easily observe their digging behavior.

Fill with Dirt:
Carefully scoop dirt into the space between the toilet paper roll and the glass. Lightly press it down as you go, but don’t pack it too tightly.

Most importantly, leave some space at the top of the jar.

This gives ants room to crawl around above ground and makes it easier for kids to watch their movement before they start tunneling.

Add the Ants:
Gently collect ants from your yard using a spoon or toy shovel.

Try to gather ants from the same colony, and avoid any that bite or sting. Carefully place them on top of the dirt inside the jar.

Seal the Jar Safely:
Cover the top of the jar with a piece of breathable mesh or fabric and secure it with a rubber band. This allows air to flow in while keeping curious ants from escaping.

Feed and Observe:
Place the jar in a cool, shaded spot out of direct sunlight. Every few days, add a drop of sugar water or a small crumb for the ants. Mist the soil lightly with water if it begins to dry out.

Watch as the ants explore the top and eventually start building tunnels along the glass.

Release After Observation:
After a few days to a week, gently return the ants to the spot where you found them.

Fascinating Reptiles That Start with the Letter D | Turtle Craft

June 18, 2025 | 1 Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

There are lots of reptiles that start with the letter D all around us with scaly skin and strong shells or tough skin to keep them safe. Also, look at my page How to Homeschool Preschool for more learning and playing ideas.

Today we’re going to learn all about reptiles that start with the letter “D”, and we’re going to focus on a very special friend—the Desert Box Turtle!

Fascinating Reptiles That Start with the Letter D | Turtle Craft

I have loads of facts, resources, and even a cute box turtle craft at the end that you are not going to want to miss in your reptile study.

Reptiles are a group of animals that have scaly skin, are cold-blooded, and lay eggs on land.

Then look at some of these books about reptiles

BOOKS ABOUT REPTILES FOR KIDS

We prefer living books when we can find them.

6 Reptile Books and Resources

Add some of these books and resources about reptiles to your library.

Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor: The Woman Who Loved Reptiles

A fascinating picture book biography of a pioneering female scientist who loved reptiles!While other girls played with dolls, Joan preferred the company of reptiles. She carried her favorite lizard with her everywhere--she even brought a crocodile to school!When Joan grew older, she became the Curator of Reptiles at the British Museum. She went on to design the Reptile House at the London Zoo, including a home for the rumored-to-be-vicious komodo dragons. There, just like when she was a little girl, Joan hosted children's tea parties--with her komodo dragon as the guest of honor.

Nature Anatomy: The Curious Parts and Pieces of the Natural World

See the world in a whole new way! Acclaimed illustrator Julia Rothman combines art and science in this exciting and educational guide to the structure, function, and personality of the natural world. Explore the anatomy of a jellyfish, the inside of a volcano, monarch butterfly migration, how sunsets work, and much more. Rothman’s whimsical illustrations are paired with interactive activities that encourage curiosity and inspire you to look more closely at the world all around you.Nature Anatomy is the second book in Rothman's Anatomy series – you'll love Nature Anatomy Notebook, Ocean Anatomy, Food Anatomy, and Farm Anatomy, too!

The Ultimate Book of Reptiles: Your guide to the secret lives of these scaly, slithery, and spectacular creatures!

Sink your fangs into the hidden worlds of these scaly and sensational creatures with leading reptile scientist and National Geographic Explorer Dr. Ruchira Somaweera as your guide.Meet the coolest cold-blooded animals ever. From lizards to snakes, turtles to crocodiles, something called a tuatara, and even enormous prehistoric reptiles (think real-life sea monsters!), you’ll discover what makes a reptile a reptile; how these creatures live, hunt, hide, and raise their young, and the wild adaptations that make them so unique. Learn which snake is the most venomous on the planet and which are surprisingly gentle creatures, which reptile is born with a highly developed third eye in its forehead, and which one is so tiny it could balance on the tip of your finger—plus loads of super important conservation information and impactful ways to join the fight to save endangered reptile species right from home!

Professor Noggin's Reptiles and Amphibians Trivia Card Game

PLAY & LEARN: Professor Noggin’s series of educational card games encourages kids to learn interesting facts about their favorite subjects.
FUN FACTS: How about Reptiles versus Amphibians?! That's just one of the topic cards in this kids card game. Find out more fun facts from Eggs to the Komodo Dragon!

Reptiles do the Strangest Things

A great book that parents could read for kids and also includes fun trivia!!

Album of Reptiles

Dramatic incidents preface descriptions of reptiles ranging from crocodiles and cobras to turtles and tuataras

Now, look at this list of reptiles.

REPTILES THAT START WITH THE LETTER D

Before we get started on box turtles here is a great list of reptiles that start with D to get you started.

Diamondback terrapin
Desert Iguanas
Diamondback Rattlesnakes
Dunai Geckos
DeKay’s brown snake
Desert box turtle
Desert grassland whiptail lizard
Desert horned lizard
Desert iguana
Desert kingsnake
Desert night lizard
Desert rosy boa
Desert short-horned lizard
Desert tortoise

Next, look at the other reptile resources.

REPTILE RESOURCES

Nature Anatomy has been my go to resource for so many topics, if you want a book that can be used for many things over several years this is the one.

10 Amazon Rainforest Lizards Facts and How to Make A Fun Iguana
Watch Homeschool Pop’s Reptiles For Kids video.
Grab these reptile figures to use in sensory bins or for a science shelf.

Free Reptiles Lapbook for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning
Celebrate Snakes | How To Make A Fake Snakeskin Snake Craft Preschool
Grab a colorful eye-catching book like Reptiles Everywhere to have on hand.
Check out this really cool Reptile Pattern Matching Activity I found.
Preschoolers will love making these Awesome DIY Alligator Puppets.

EASTERN BOX TURTLE VS. DESERT BOX TURTLE

Box turtles are named this because they cannot only retreat into their shells at the first sign of danger, but also seal off their legs and head within a hinged plastron(under shell) creating formidable armor.

There are five subspecies of the common box turtle, each differing slightly in the coloring and patterning of the carapace, and having either three or four toes on each hind foot.

The Eastern Box Turtle and the Desert Box Turtle share many things in common…

They are both reptiles- This means they have scaly skin, are cold-blooded, and lay eggs.
They have hard shells- Their upper and lower shells connect, forming a protective “box” that lets them pull in their head, legs, and tail when danger is nearby.
They move slowly- Box turtles aren’t fast runners — their heavy shells weigh them down — but that’s okay because their protective “box” keeps them safe.
Both are omnivores –which means they eat a mixture of plants (like strawberries and grasses) and small creatures (like insects and worms).
They can live a long time- Box turtles, whether they live in forests or deserts, can live 30-50 years or more in the wild — sometimes even up to 100 years with proper care.
They are land dwellers- Some turtles love water, but box turtles and their desert relatives mainly stay on land.
They hibernate in cold months- when it gets cold, both will find a sheltered spot and slow their body down to save energy until it warms up again.

Now let’s look at a few differences in each of these reptiles.

EASTERN BOX TURTLE

Habitat-forests, fields, meadows, near water
Environment-humid, damp, lots of leaf litter
Shell Coloring-darker brown or black with yellow or orange patterns
Activity- more active during the day
Diet-insects, worms, strawberries, mushrooms, and plants insects, cactus fruit, grasses, small invertebrates
Protection- hard, protective “box” lets it close up safely

DESERT BOX TURTLE

Habitat- deserts, scrublands, grasslands, drier areas
Environment- arid, sandier, less water
Shell Coloring- lighter yellowish-brown with delicate lines
Activity- more active in the early morning or late evening to avoid the daytime heat
Protection- hard “box” plus coloring that helps it blend in with sand and scrub

BOX TURTLE CRAFT

First decide which type of box turtle you would like to make, this will help you choose colors for its particular markings.

You will need:

2 paper bowls
Green paint or markers
Brown, yellow, or black paint or markers
Construction paper
Scissors
Glue
Tape
Googly eyes (optional)

Turn the bowl upside-down and paint it green.

For a more realistic look, add brown or yellow patterns with a brush or marker.

Allow the bowl to dry thoroughly.

Using construction paper, cut:

1 small oval or circle for the head
4 short rectangles or ovals for the legs
1 small triangle for the tail

We used some scrap craft paper we had on hand.

Using tape stick the head to the rim of the bowl at the front, put it on so that you can fold the head and legs inward to “hide”

Attach the 4 legs — 2 on each side — and the small triangle at the back for the tail.

If you have googly eyes, you can glue them on the head, or you can draw the eyes with a black marker.

Use another color of paint with a brush or a paint pen to add design to the top of the turtle shell.

Turn the bowl (shell) upside-down and put it on the other bowl to create a base for your turtle.

If you tape it on just one side like a hinge you can use this to demonstrate how the box turtle can completely close up in its shell.

Why Mendel Chose Peas | How to Make a Peas in a Pod Keychain

June 17, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Have you ever wondered why Mendel chose peas to study genetics?

And have you ever wondered about cool things like how traits are passed from parent to child, whether we’re talking about the color of your eyes or the shape of a flower petal?

Gregor Mendel was a 19th-century Austrian monk who is often called the Father of Modern Genetics.

His experiments growing and cross-pollinating pea plants paved the way for the amazing field of genetics we have today.

Why Mendel Chose Peas | How to Make a Peas in a Pod Keychain

This peas in a pod keychain is more than just a cute souvenir — it’s a wonderful opportunity to connect hands-on creativity with a key moment in science.

It’s a small, charming symbol of how much we owe to a little garden pea and the curiosity of a 19th-century monk.

Make it even more special by matching the number of peas to those in your family or friend group.

BOOKS ABOUT GENETICS FOR KIDS

Next, look at some of these fun books to include with your study.

4 Books About DNA & Mendel - The Father of Genetics

He was a monk and scientist who studied genetics. He was first to trace characteristics of successive generations.

Gregor Mendel: The Friar Who Grew Peas

How do mothers and fathers—whether they are apple trees, sheep, or humans—pass down traits to their children? This question fascinated Gregor Mendel throughout his life. Regarded as the world’s first geneticist, Mendel overcame poverty and obscurity to discover one of the fundamental aspects of genetic science: animals, plants, and people all inherit and pass down traits through the same process, following the same rules. Living the slow-paced, contemplative life of a friar, Gregor Mendel was able to conceive and put into practice his great experiment: growing multiple generations of peas. From observing yellow peas, green peas, smooth peas, and wrinkled peas, Mendel crafted his theory of heredity—years before scientists had any notion of genes.

Grow: Secrets of Our DNA

Earth is full of life! All living things grow—plants, animals, and human beings. The way they grow, whether it be fast or slow, enormous or not so big, helps them survive. But growing is also about change: when people grow, they become more complicated and able to do more things, and they don’t have to think about it, because bodies come with instructions, or DNA. With simple, engaging language and expressive, child-friendly illustrations, Nicola Davies and Emily Sutton, the award-winning creators of Tiny Creatures: The World of Microbes and Many: The Diversity of Life on Earth, provide an introduction to genetic code and how it relates to families to make us all both wonderfully unique and wholly connected to every living thing on Earth.

The Secret Code Inside You: All About Your DNA

Learn about the secret code that is DNA in this vibrant and informative picture book!There's a secret code inside you, a code called DNA.A code that tells your body's cells what they should do each day. It looks like twisted ladders, or tiny, twirling noodles.It makes us into people, instead of into poodles.Why can't humans breathe underwater? Why are some people tall and others short? Why do we resemble our parents and grandparents? This book explores all this and more in flowing, rhyming text, explaining cells, DNA, and genetics in a way that is simple and easy for children to understand. Colorful and brilliantly illustrated, The Secret Code Inside You illustrates that while DNA may be the blueprint for how a person looks, what you choose to do with your body is entirely up to you!

The Man Who Found Out Why The Story of Gregor Mendel

Father Gregor Mendel, with his great curiosity about nature and his passion of numbers, experimented with plants and wrote down his observations. Although few people knew about his work during his lifetime, the world now recognizes Gregor Mendel as the founder of the science of genetics.

Next, let’s learn why Mendel chose peas.

WHY DID MENDEL CHOOSE PEAS

Mendel chose the garden pea (Pisum sativum) for a few very clever reasons:

Peas have a short growing season- This allowed Mendel to observe numerous generations in a short amount of time, helping him to piece together how traits were inherited across generations.

Peas are easy to grow- Pea plants are hardy and they grow quickly. They do not require a huge amount of space or special conditions, which made them a convenient subject for extensive breeding experiments.

Peas have easily distinguishable traits- Mendel chose seven traits to observe in his experiments — flower color, flower position, seed color, seed shape, pod color, pod shape, and plant height. Each of these traits fell into two distinctly different varieties (such as purple or white flowers), which made it simpler for him to track and compare across generations.

Peas normally self-pollinate-Pea flowers typically pollinate themselves, which meant Mendel could control their breeding when necessary by manually removing the male parts and adding pollen from another plant — a process called cross-pollination.

Peas produce large numbers of offspring- Every pod contains numerous peas (seeds), yielding large sample sizes for each cross. Large sample sizes meant more reliable data and more confidence in his results.

MENDEL’S TWO KEY PRINCIPLES

Using pea plants, Mendel made careful crosses, and he kept detailed notes about which traits appeared in the following generations. His results challenged the popular view of the day that traits blended together. Instead, he demonstrated that traits are inherited as separate, particulate factors — what we now know as genes.

Mendel’s two key principles — the law of segregation and the law of independent assortment — form the basis of classical genetics today.

The Law of Segregation- This means each parent has two copies of a trait (like purple or white flowers), but it only passes on one of those to its baby (seed).

Example- Each parent has 2 socks, a purple and a white, but when it’s time to put a sock into a bag (the seed), it picks just 1 sock. The baby might get a purple or a white — you don’t know which — it’s a bit of a surprise!

The Law of Independent Assortment- This means different traits, like flower color and pea shape, are passed on independently of each other.

Example- Your socks (flower color) and your hat (pea shape) are tossed into separate bags. So choosing a purple sock doesn’t affect which hat you grab — you might grab a smooth hat or a wrinkly hat — it’s all a bit random!

Because of Mendel’s two laws we know…

Each trait is given independently, making for lots of wonderful variation.

Babies get half their traits from their mom and half from their dad.

GENETICS RESOURCES TO CELEBRATE MENDEL

How To Study Human Anatomy For Science:Build An Edible DNA Model
Teach Genetics With Jelly Beans with this simple lesson.
I found this quick read on What is the Difference Between Genetics and Heredity?

PEAS IN A POD KEYCHAIN CRAFT

You will need:

Polymer clay in a medium green (pod)
Lighter yellow green(peas)
Small keychain rings or keychain hooks
Jewelry wire
Toothpicks or clay sculpting tool
Small plastic knife
Baking sheet (to bake clay)

First, work your clay by kneading it between your hands until it’s soft and pliable.

Break off small, equal-sized balls of the lighter clay, these will be your “peas.” Roll them into smooth, round balls.

Using the darker green clay, roll a small piece into a short tube, about 2-3 inches in length.

Using your thumb, press a groove down the center of the tube to create a shallow “pod.”You can use a roller to get it flat, smooth, and pliable.

Place a length of wire bent in the center at the top of the pea pod.

Gently press your small clay peas into the groove in a row.

Fold the clay pod slightly upward to surround the peas, but leave them visible. Pinch the two points at the end of the pod closed.

Using a toothpick or clay tool, add texture to the pod. Small lines can help it look more realistic.

Bake the clay pod on a parchment-lined sheet according to the clay’s instructions (typically 275°F for 15-30 minutes, depending on thickness).

Once cooled If you wish, you can brush it with a clear acrylic seal to give it a nice finish.

Attach a keychain loop to the metal insert, twisting the wire around and trimming off the ends.

Simple Oyster Shell Crafts For Kids And Mollusks Activities

June 15, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have rounded up some fun oyster shell crafts for kids. Also, look at my page Oceans Unit Study and Lapbook for more hands-on ideas.

Too, look at my page Seashore Beach Watching Unit Study and Seashore Lapbook for more fun ideas.

The oyster is a bottom dwelling creature. It filters sand in and out of its shell looking for food.

In the process of filtering sand, it produces a deposit of minerals that eventually turns into a pearl.

Simple Oyster Shell Crafts For Kids And Mollusks Activities

Too, oysters are a fun topic to study about in the summer along with doing the crafts I have listed below.

For example, here are some ideas for an oyster unit study or themed day.

Your child can describe the anatomy and ecological role of oysters and analyze oyster habitats and map where they live. Learn about filter feeding and understand how oyster reef habitats help the environment.

Next, look at some of these books about the group mollusks.

BOOKS ABOUT MOLLUSKS FOR KIDS

We prefer to read living books when we can find them.

Then add reference books as we can.

8 Books About Mollusks

Add some of these books to your home library or to your unit study for the day.

About Mollusks: A Guide for Children

The book uses simple, easy-to-understand language to teach children what mollusks are, how they look, how they move, what they eat, and where they live. The beautifully detailed, realistic paintings of noted wildlife illustrator John Sill introduce readers to a variety of mollusks—from the small garden snail to the giant Pacific octopus. An afterword provides more details about the animals in the book.

Giant Squid (Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Honor (Awards))

The giant squid is one of the most elusive creatures in the world. As large as whales, they hide beyond reach deep within the sea, forcing scientists to piece together their story from those clues they leave behind.An injured whale's ring-shaped scars indicate an encounter with a giant squid. A piece of beak broken off in the whale's belly; a flash of ink dispersed as a blinding defense to allow the squid to escape-- these fragments of proof were all we had . . . until a giant squid was finally filmed in its natural habitat only two years ago.In this beautiful and clever nonfiction picture book about the giant squid, Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann explore, both visually and poetically, this hidden creature's mysterious life.

Matisse's Magical Trail

A young snail's artistic trail inspires a whole class of children to be creative too!

The snail's spell

"Brilliant illustrations and a short text invite an unnamed sleeping, pajama-clad child into a garden teeming with wildlife. The boy gradually shrinks until he is so small he experiences things as a snail would. The incredibly detailed drawings and the idea of shrinking to enter another world should capture children's imaginations

Escargot

Escargot is an adorable French snail who only wants two things: 1) To be your favorite animal, and 2) To eat the delicious salad at the end of this book. Except this delicious salad has a carrot in it. And Escargot hates carrots. But when he finally tries one―with a little help from you!―he realizes that it’s not so bad after all.

The Snail House

Here is the story Grandma tells one evening on her wide veranda steps. It has Michael and Hannah and the disappearing baby in it, a tigerish bird, raindrops like sacks of water, and the hugest apple you ever saw. Oh yes . . . and the Snail House. So gather round, climb up now into Grandma’s lap. Darkness is falling, the air is still, and the story is just about to begin.

Snail in the woods (A Nature I can read book)

A snail's life from the time it is hatched to the time it lays its own eggs.

The Biggest House in the World

A young snail dreams of having the biggest house—or shell—in the world. Then one day, his wise father tells him the story of another snail with the same dream. He grew and grew, adding bright colors and beautiful designs, until he found that his house came at a terrible cost. The young snail decides that a small, easy-to-carry shell might be best for a life of adventure and exploration.

Next, look at these mollusk activities for every age.

MOLLUSK ACTIVITIES FOR EVERY AGE

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Learn the names and shapes of different mollusks
Explore oyster shells with a magnifying glass
Under the Sea Science Activities With Amazing Disappearing Octopus Ink
Talk about habitats and how oysters clean the ocean
Learn How Do Mollusks Breathe | Easy Pipe Cleaner Snail Craft.

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Study the anatomy of an oyster.
Explore food chains and ecosystems involving mollusks
Discuss the environmental role of oyster reefs
Don’t miss this Exciting Swiss Family Robinson Activities | From Oyster To Pearl

HIGH SCHOOL

Dissect an oyster or study diagrams of internal systems
Research the economic and ecological impact of oyster farming
Investigate the chemistry of pearl formation

ALL AGES

Look through Julia Rothmans Ocean Anatomy and search for all the different types of mollusks inside.

Print and cut out images of different mollusks. Have students sort them into bivalves, gastropods, cephalopods, etc.

Older students can research what class each belongs to and describe its role in the ecosystem.

Decoupage an oyster shell for a pretty little dish you can use in lots of ways beyond decoration, see below for instructions.

Finally, look at these oyster shell crafts for kids.

OYSTER SHELL CRAFTS FOR KIDS

How To Make A Kids Origami Easy And Fun Whale

June 14, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I’m showing you how to make a kids origami easy whale. It’s such a fun hands-on activity. And look at my page Oceans Unit Study and Lapbook for more ocean activities.

This is a creative and calming activity that will keep your kids entertained. This adorable paper whale craft is perfect for little hands.

Besides, origami has many benefits beyond just play.

How To Make A Kids Origami Easy And Fun Whale

Origami improves concentration, develops spatial awareness, encourages creativity and children have a sense of accomplishment. Even your non-crafty kids will love it.

And when your child is finished, he can create a fun diorama after folding a few more whales.

Too, reading about whales or listening to books about them encourages a love of all things ocean.

BOOKS FOR KIDS WHO LOVE WHALES

Look at these books I’ve rounded up.

We love living books and prefer to read them first.

Then we add reference books as we need them.

8 Whale Books for Kids

Choose a few of these ocean themed books to go along with your study of the Oceans. Whether you're looking for a spine for a unit study or literature, you'll love this roundup.

Listening to Whales: What the Orcas Have Taught Us

In 19784, Alexandra moved with her husband, photographer Robin Morton, to a remote bay in British Columbia to continue her research with wild orcas. For a few idyllic years, Alexandra and Robin shared their passion for whales, cruising the green northern waters and raising a baby boy. But tragedy struck when Robin died in a terrible accident. Only the love of her son and her abiding dedication to whale research gave Alexandra the strength to continue her groundbreaking work. Her
recordings of the whales that swim by her house have led her to a deeper understanding of the mystery of whale echolocation, the vocal communication that enables the mammals to find their way in the dark sea. She continues to be among the renowned researchers attempting to break down the barriers of interspecies communication.At once an inspiring story of a woman’s determination to live her life on her own terms and a fascinating study of the profound communion between humans and whales, this book will open your eyes anew to the wonders of the natural world.

Whales Passing

Key Features Description Acclaimed author Eve Bunting and illustrator Lambert Davis tell a simple story of a boy and his dad who watch from the shore as Orca whales swim by and imagine the pod's underwater life. A young boy stands on the beach with his father. As they watch the surf, a pod of Orca whales swim by. After wondering aloud whether the whales can talk like he does, the boy then imagines the whales' conversations, and whether they are talking about him under the bubbling waves, just as he talks about them on the land.

Orcas Around Me: My Alaskan Summer

A young boy describes his summers spent fishing for salmon with his parents and younger brother off the southeastern coast of Alaska

The Big Book of the Blue (The Big Book Series)

The book opens by explaining how different types of animals are able to breathe and survive underwater, and the different families to which they belong. Subsequent pages are dedicated to specific creatures, including sea turtles, whales, sharks, stingrays, and seahorses, and show varied life in specific habitats, such as a coral reef or deep sea bed. The Big Book of the Blue also explores the underwater world thematically, looking at animals in danger, learning how to spot creatures at the beach, and discovering how to do our part to save sea life. Beautiful and filled with fascinating facts, young, curious readers won’t be able to tear their eyes away from the page.

A Whale of the Wild (A Voice of the Wilderness Novel)

For Vega and her family, salmon is life. And Vega is learning to be a salmon finder, preparing for the day when she will be her family’s matriarch. But then she and her brother Deneb are separated from their pod when a devastating earthquake and tsunami render the seascape unrecognizable. Vega must use every skill she has to lead her brother back to their family. The young orcas face a shark attack, hunger, the deep ocean, and polluted waters on their journey. Will Vega become the
leader she’s destined to be?

Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia

Embark on a captivating tour of the waters that cover 70 percent of our planet! See our oceans come to life in mind-blowing detail. This is the ultimate children’s visual encyclopedia about the awe-inspiring blue planet!

Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist

How did a nineteenth-century dressmaker revolutionize science? Jeanne Power was creative: she wanted to learn about the creatures that swim beneath the ocean waves, so she built glass tanks and changed the way we study underwater life forever. Jeanne Power was groundbreaking: she solved mysteries of sea animals and published her findings at a time when few of women’s contributions to science were acknowledged. Jeanne Power was persistent: when records of her research were lost, she set to work repeating her studies. And when men tried to take credit for her achievements, she stood firm and insisted on the recognition due to her.

Ocean Anatomy: The Curious Parts & Pieces of the World under the Sea

Follow Rothman’s inquisitive mind and perceptive eye along shorelines, across the open ocean, and below the waves for an artistic exploration of the watery universe. Through her drawings, discover how the world’s oceans formed, why the sea is salty, and the forces behind oceanic phenomena such as rogue waves. Colorful anatomical profiles of sea creatures from crustacean to cetacean, surveys of seafaring vessels and lighthouses, and the impact of plastic and warming water temperatures are just part of this compendium of curiosities that will entertain and educate readers of all ages.

Next, look at more origami ideas.

MORE KIDS ORIGAMI EASY IDEAS

Finally, look at how to make this adorable origami whale.

KIDS ORIGAMI EASY AND FUN WHALE

First. look at this easy list of supplies:

Colored craft papers or origami paper
Scissors
Craft glue
Googly eyes

Instructions:

Step 1:

Select light weight colored craft paper for the origami whale base.

And a light colored or white paper for the belly part.

Prepare the colored craft paper into size 15cm x 15cm or about 6 x 6 inches.

Step 2:

Place the square paper on a flat surface.

Fold the square papers in half, vertically.

Step 3:

Hold a closed corner of the folded paper and fold it up, by aligning half of the closed side along the middle of the current pattern.

Step 4:

Unfold the last 2 folds.

Step 5:

Make mountain folds along the diagonal creases and half of the vertical crease from the outer point of the triangle creases.

Make valley fold along the remaining vertical crease.

Step 6:

Flatten the pattern along the folds.

Step 7:

Place the current pattern on a flat surface with the wide side facing the top.

Step 8:

ORIGAMI EASY AND FUN WHALE

Leaving 1/3 part at the closed side of the diagonal edge; fold the rest of it by 35 degrees inside the pattern.

Step 9:

Fold out 1 cm or about half an inch of the top pointy end. This is the tail fin of the origami whale.

Step 10:

Draw the top layer of the tail fin below the other part of the fin.

Step 11:

Unfold the current top part of the tail fin.

Step 12:

Fold the tail fin end inwards.

Step 13:

Fold the open corner of the top layer and align it with the closed side of the current pattern.

Step 14:

Unfold the last fold.

Step 15:

Fold the open side on the left sides of the crease and align it with the diagonal crease.

Step 16:

Unfold the back layer of the last fold.

Step 17:

Turn the current pattern to the other side.

Step 18:

Hold the closed corner on the opposite side of the crease and join it to the crease by creating a fold parallel to the crease.

Step 19:

Make a fold along the crease.

Step 20:

Turn the current pattern to the other side.

Step 21:

Make a fold along the yellow marked line.

Step 22:

Unfold the top folds on the right side of the current pattern.

Step 23:

Fold in the closed side along the crease.

Step 24:

Make a fold along the marked yellow line.

Step 25:

Now, make a fold along the diagonal crease on the bottom.

Step 26:

Turn the current pattern to the other side. Attach a white paper cutout to the top trapezoid-like part.

Use a sharpie to draw the eye and mouth of the origami whale.