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ocean

Awesome Beach Crafts And Free Beach Comber Field Guide

August 4, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have some awesome beach crafts for all ages. And you’ll love this free printable beach comber field guide to use to explore the shore. Too, look at my page Seashore Beach Watching Unit Study and Seashore Lapbook for more fun ideas.

Crafts are the perfect blend of nature, art, and imagination. And summer time is a fun way to get creative while still learning.

Awesome Beach Crafts And Free Beach Comber Field Guide

Also, crafts help children with storytelling, inventing and with artistic expression, all using materials found right at their feet.

While crafting, parents can talk about the importance of keeping beaches clean.

For younger kids, gluing shells, threading beads, or shaping sand into sculptures all require focus and coordination.

FUN OCEAN BOOKS FOR KIDS

16 Ocean Books for Kids Who Love to Read and Be Read To

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.

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children in color

Join Danny Meadow Mouse, Jimmy Skunk, and Reddy Fox as they explore the seashore and take a closer look at the habits and habitats of the creatures they find. Discover the Seahorse, Shrimp, Crab, Anemone, Gull, and so many more.

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children is a wonderful way to introduce young ones to the fascinating world beneath us and is a perfect compliment to earlier books in this series, the Bird, Animal, and Flower books.

This edition is complete and unabridged with all of the beautiful illustrations by W.H. Southwick and George Sutton

Seaside Naturalist: Seaside Naturalist

Seaside Naturalist is an illustrated guide to marine plants and animals includes the characteristics of protozoa, arthropods, sponges, mollusks, reptiles, birds, fish, and mammals.

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.

Scott O'Dell Set: Island of the Blue Dolphins + Zia

Island of the Blue Dolphins begins with a young girl named Karana who is living on the Island of the Blue Dolphins (fancy name, right?) with her younger brother, Ramo, and sister, Ulape. One day, a group of Russian hunters (Aleutians) land on the island to hunt for otter. This is when the trouble really begins.

Manfish: A Story of Jacques Cousteau (Underwater Picture Book for Kids)

Once upon a time in France, a baby was born under the summer sun. His parents named him Jacques. As he grew, Jacques fell in love with the sea. He dreamed of breathing beneath the waves and swimming as gracefully as a fish. In fact, he longed to become a manfish. Jacques Cousteau grew up to become a champion of the seas and one of the best-known oceanographers in the world. In this lovely biography, now in paperback, poetic text and gorgeous paintings come together to create a portrait of Cousteau that is as magical as it is inspiring.

Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas (Illustrated 1875 Edition):

A beautiful edition with 110 images from the 1875 English edition. Use Amazon's Look inside feature to compare this edition with others. You'll be impressed by the differences. Don't be fooled by other versions that have no illustrations or contain very small print. Reading our edition will make you feel that you are traveling the seas with Captain Nemo himself.

Swiss Family Robinson (Illustrated Classic): 200th Anniversary Collection

More than 100 original illustrations by Louis Rhead. You want to read this book with illustrations.

An introduction by W. D. Howells.

Nicely formatted text in an easy-to-read font.

A beautiful cover from the 1891 edition.

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. 

The Fascinating Ocean Book for Kids: 500 Incredible Facts!

Do you know a kid who’s captivated by what goes on beneath the ocean’s surface? This amazing entry into ocean books for kids is packed with hundreds of incredible facts for hours of underwater exploration. Pages of full-color pictures feature life in and around the sea including fish, dolphins, and shipwrecks!

All About Bioluminescence: Deep Sea Animals

Dive into the mesmerizing world of bioluminescence with "All About Bioluminescence." In this captivating book, readers embark on a journey through the depths of the ocean to discover the extraordinary glow-in-the-dark creatures that inhabit its mysterious realm. From the enchanting sea angel to the infamous anglerfish, each page is filled with stunning illustrations and fascinating facts about these luminous beings.With a focus on deep-sea dwellers, readers will uncover the secrets behind bioluminescence and learn how these creatures use light to communicate, camouflage, and lure prey. But the adventure doesn't stop there! "All About Bioluminescence" also includes hands-on activities like a glow stick experiment, allowing readers to experience the magic of bioluminescence firsthand.

Treasure Island (Dover Thrift Editions: Classic Novels)

One of the most enduringly popular adventure tales, Treasure Island began in 1881 as a serialized adventure entitled "The Sea-Cook"in the periodical Young Folks. Completed during a stay at Davos, Switzerland, where Stevenson had gone for his health, it was published in 1883 in the form we know today.Set in the eighteenth century, Treasure Island spins a heady tale of piracy, a mysterious treasure map, and a host of sinister characters charged with diabolical intentions. Seen through the eyes of Jim Hawkins, the cabin boy of the Hispaniola, the action-packed adventure tells of a perilous sea journey across the Spanish Main, a mutiny led by the infamous Long John Silver, and a lethal scramble for buried treasure on an exotic isle.

Oceans and Seas!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

In Oceans and Seas! With 25 Science Projects for Kids readers ages 7 though 10 dive into the underwater world of some of the most amazing landscapes on Earth. On this amazing underwater adventure, kids experience the ocean’s tropical reefs and spot crabs, sea sponges, and thousands of kinds of fish darting in its crags and folds. They’ll meet a giant squid with eyes the size of dinner plates and an mbrella-like bioluminescent jellyfish.

Discover the Oceans: The World's Largest Ecosystem (Discover Your World)

From both a historical and scientific point of view, above and below the surface, this engaging guide brings the world’s oceans to life through fun facts, illustrations, and in-depth information. Interactive activities appear throughout, ranging from making solar stills and simple fishing spears to experimenting with a homemade diving bell and figuring out how much water it really takes to survive. With the oceans being the least explored environment on Earth, this reference illuminates some of the most incredible and surprising plants and animals as well as how to survive and navigate these vast expanses.

Pagoo

An intricate study of tide pool life is presented in text and pictures through the story of Pagoo, a her-mit crab.

Next, look at some of these crafts for multiple ages.

AWESOME CRAFTS

  • Exciting Scavenger Hunt: Activities Elementary Kids Will Love
  • Create Your Own Easy Sand Dollar Edible Cookies
  • Discover the Fun: How to Make Beach Sand Slime at Home
  • Free Art Lessons For 4th Grade & How To Make Easy Beach Glass Art
  • How to Make an Ocean-Inspired Sea Shell Necklace | 8 Summer Beach Crafts
  • 11 Awesome Beach Theme STEM Activities | Quick Sunscreen Painting Experiment
  • How To Make Your Own Edible Beach Sand And Shells: A Creative And Delicious Recipe
  • Seashore Beach Watching Unit Study and Seashore Lapbook
  • 10 Edible Beach Crafts For Teens and Make Edible Beach Glass
  • How to Dissolve a Seashell – Beach Hands-on Fun Activity
Awesome Beach Crafts And Free Beach Comber Field Guide

Next, grab this fun printable guide.

HOW TO GET THE FREE FIELD GUIDE

Now, how to grab the freebie.  It’s a subscriber freebie.

That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE.

2) Grab the freebie instantly.

3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: beach, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, ocean, science, seashore

How to Make a Humpback Whale & More Zoology Activities for Elementary Students

July 3, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Look at this long list of zoology activities for elementary students, including a fun air-dry clay humpback whale great for learning about the parts and purposes of whales. Also, look at my page How To Homeschool Elementary Students Like A Pro.

Also, look at my page Oceans Unit Study and Lapbook for more hands-on ideas.

Zoology is the branch of biology that studies animals. It encompasses various aspects such as animal behavior, physiology, anatomy, classification, and distribution.

How to Make a Humpback Whale & More Zoology Activities for Elementary Students

There are many sub-branches within zoology like Entomology (insects), Herpetology (reptiles and amphibians), Ichthyology (fish), Ornithology (birds), and Mammalogy (mammals).

Imagine an animal as long as a school bus swimming gracefully in the deep blue sea, that’s a humpback whale.

These incredible creatures are the gentle giants of our oceans, and they have many fascinating secrets to share. Let’s dive in and discover more about these magnificent mammals.

Next, look at more how to homeschool elementary students tips.

HOW TO HOMESCHOOL ELEMENTARY STUDENTS TIPS

  • Exciting Summer Learning Activities for Elementary Students Who Love Hands-On
  • How to Make a Humpback Whale & More Zoology Activities for Elementary Students
  • 3 Dinosaur Stem Activities Elementary Kids Will Love
  • Fun Mosaic Art Lesson Plans Elementary | How To Make A Tray
  • Easy Praying Mantis Craft: Awesome Insect Projects for Elementary Students
  • Easy Art And Geometry Activities For Elementary Students
  • Biology Science Curriculum For Elementary Students They Love & Tiger Craft
  • Exciting Scavenger Hunt: Beach Theme Activities Elementary Kids Will Love
  • Easy Human Body Crafts For Elementary Featuring A Tongue Project
  • Best Homeschool History Curriculum Elementary: A Focus on Albert Nobel
  • Easy Diorama About The Civil War For Elementary Students
  • How To Create Elementary Geography Curriculum Using Living Books
  • Best Reading Curriculum for Elementary And Fun Reading Pointer Craft

BOOKS ABOUT WHALES FOR KIDS

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 these humpback whale facts to add to zoology activities for elementary students.

HUMPBACK WHALE FACTS

Humpback whales are enormous, they typically grow to be between 40 and 60 feet long, which is about the length of a large school bus.

Their bodies are mostly dark gray or black, but they have unique white patches on their bellies and the undersides of their long flippers.

These flippers can be up to 16 feet long, which is longer than most cars. They use these powerful flippers to help them steer and move through the water.

If you look at a humpback whale’s head you’ll notice some bumpy knobs. These are called tubercles, and each one has a small hair growing out of it. Scientists believe these tubercles help the whales sense their surroundings and may even improve their swimming.

They also have a broad, knobbly head and a series of pleats, or grooves, on their throat that can expand when they feed.

Humpback whales are found all over the world. They can be found in all the major oceans, from the icy cold waters of the Arctic and Antarctic to the warm, tropical seas closer to the equator.

And they undertake incredible journeys each year-During the summer months, they migrate to colder waters where food is plentiful.

These waters are full of tiny creatures like krill and small fish, which the whales need to eat and build up energy.

How to Make a Humpback Whale & More Zoology Activities for Elementary Students

Then at more zoology activities for elementary kids.

15 ZOOLOGY ACTIVITIES FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS

  1. Learn How to Create a Homeschool Zoology Unit Without a Curriculum and Cute Fox Craft to make your own unit.
  2. How about a Free Kids Insect Unit Study┃ How to Make Clay Insects?
  3. Combine history and zoology as you learn about Daniel Boone Explorer Black Bear Unit Study and Fun Edible Bear Poop.
  4. Put together a Bug Eye Mask to get a bug’s eye view on the world as you learn about the different types of eyes in the bug world.
  5. Do You Enjoy Learning About Animals? This  FREE Zoology Game can be used for bingo, memory, or go fishing.
  6. Hands-On Butterfly Identification Activities for Kids
  7. Encourage bugs to visit your yard with a How to Make a Bug Hotel Craft: Fun Craft for Kids to observe them closer.
  8. Learn about Animal Houses: Engineering Game for Kids and encourage your child to use problem-solving and planning skills to make functional animal houses.
  9. Gross and loads of fun, an Owl Pellet Dissection Activity [Free Printable Worksheets] is a unique way to study owls prey, and identify bones of small creatures.
  10. Turn recycling into a Fun Kids Hands-on Egg Carton Sea Turtle Life Cycle Activity
  11. Earthworms fall under the category of Annelida (segmented worms) and this awesome Earthworm Study Kids Activities deserves mention.
  12. Discover Pond Life for Kindergarten Activity Build a Fun Beaver Dam for a fun hands-on activity that encourages thinkers.
  13. Hop Into Action with the Reptile vs. Amphibian Skin Test – Using Hard Boiled Eggs.
  14. Learn How to Make Plaster Casts of Animal Tracks, a great way to preserve the prints you find along the nature trail.
  15. Here you will find 8 Animal Camouflage Activities and Resources & Fun Camouflage Art to research how and why animals need to use this skill.

Finally, look at how to make this fun humpback whale.

HOW TO MAKE A HUMPBACK WHALE

You will need:

  • Air-dry clay
  • Clay tools or popsicle sticks
  • Water
  • Paint
  • Paintbrushes
How to Make a Humpback Whale & More Zoology Activities for Elementary Students

First, shape the body by rolling a large piece of clay into an oblong shape for the whale’s body.

How to Make a Humpback Whale & More Zoology Activities for Elementary Students

Create the tail by flattening a smaller piece of clay and then shape it into the distinctive fluke of a humpback whale. Attach it to one end of the body.

How to Make a Humpback Whale & More Zoology Activities for Elementary Students

 When you are adding additional clay pieces like the tail above and flippers below, it helps to use a tool like this to score both pieces before joining them together.

Then use water on your fingertips to smooth them seamlessly.

How to Make a Humpback Whale & More Zoology Activities for Elementary Students

Roll out two smaller pieces of clay to make flippers, molding them into elongated shapes and attach them to the sides of the body as pectoral fins.

How to Make a Humpback Whale & More Zoology Activities for Elementary Students

Use clay tools to add details like eyes, a mouth, and the grooves on the whale’s throat. Add texture with light markings.

How to Make a Humpback Whale & More Zoology Activities for Elementary Students

Use a small amount of water to smooth out any rough areas, this gives your clay a very nice texture and dries pretty quickly.

So that your whale is not laying completely flat you can prop it up on your tools or a piece of waxed paper as it dries.

Allow the clay to dry completely, it may take several days. Paint if desired to add detail and allow it to dry.

How to Make a Humpback Whale & More Zoology Activities for Elementary Students

Add details like the ‘tubercles’ or spots on the whales nose with a small brush or tip of the paint bottle.

How to Make a Humpback Whale & More Zoology Activities for Elementary Students

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: elementary, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, ocean, whales

Create Your Own Easy Sand Dollar Edible Beach Inspired Cookies

June 30, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Creating your own sand dollar edible beach inspired cookies is so easy. And they make for a great summer treat or as part of a marine biology unit. Too, look at my page Seashore Beach Watching Unit Study and Seashore Lapbook for more fun ideas.

Sand dollars make a great starting point for learning about marine biology, beach ecosystems, and ocean conservation.

You can turn your cookie-making into a whole mini-unit study. Read books about ocean life, watch documentaries, or even plan a trip to a local aquarium or beach.

Create Your Own Easy Sand Dollar Edible Beach Inspired Cookies

Kids will enjoy drawing or labeling the parts of a sand dollar, comparing them to other sea creatures like sea stars or sea urchins, playing with them in a sensory bin, and more.

Pair your sand dollar cookies with a fun craft, such as making sand dollars out of salt dough or white clay for display.

This hands-on approach helps make learning memorable!

ECHINODERMS BOOKS FOR KIDS

Next, look at these books about echinoderms, the group sand dollars are part of.

11 Books About Fascinating Echinoderms Marine Animals

This group of animals sea stars, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, brittle stars, star fish and crinoids. All of these are marine animals with radial symmetry in their body shapes.

What's in the Tide Pool?

What would you see if you sat at the edge of a tidepool, looked into the water and watched the changes taking place in this little world? What life would you discover there? In a charming hand-sized book, Anne Hunter illustrates the creatures that live in and around a tidepool, and describes each animal's characteristics and habits. The gorgeous artwork and simple sense of wonder will inspire children to explore their environment. Fans of Hunter’s two books, WHAT'S IN THE POND? and WHAT'S UNDER THE LOG? will want to add this new title to their collection.

Sand Dollars by the Seashore

Sand Dollars by the Seashore is a charming and educational poem for children about the wonders of the beach and the importance of respecting nature. It encourages young readers to explore the shoreline and discover its beauty while learning the difference between living sand dollars and cherishing their shell souvenirs as a special gift from the sea. Perfect for a day at the beach or a bedtime read, Sand Dollars by the Seashore is sure to delight and inspire young imaginations.

Sea Stars (Ocean Life Up Close: Blastoff Readers, Level 3)

Did you know that sea stars pump water instead of blood through their systems? Although commonly called starfish, these life forms are not fish! Instead, they are part of a group containing other animals like sea urchins and sand dollars. Sea stars are hardy animals that can grow new limbs and open clam shells. In this interesting title, students will enjoy learning more about these shining ocean stars!

Sea Urchins (Ocean Life Up Close)

Sea urchins look like fireworks exploding underwater. The spines that create their unusual appearance do have a purpose: they protect the tiny animals from dangerous predators. In this title, sea urchins of all shapes, sizes, and colors are on display for early readers!

The Burgess Seashore Book for Children (Dover Children's Classics)

Familiar burgess characters Danny Meadow Mouse, Jimmy Skunk, and Reddy Fox explore every nook and cranny of the shoreline and learn first hand about the habits and habitats of spider crabs, sea cucumbers, sand eels, and that strangest of little fishes — the sea horse.Veteran storyteller and nature lover Thornton W. Burgess provides fascinating information to young readers as he describes coastal areas along the Atlantic Ocean. Along the way he weaves the area's many life forms into an entertaining tale that's also an illustrated guide to the seashore's natural history.

The Sand Dollar

While walking on the shore of the Sea of Cortez a man has a remarkable dialog with the sea. Using the naturally occurring dove like structures found in sand dollars, the sea relates its past wars with the sun, the wind, the mountains, and the moon and addresses its ongoing war with man. The sea's explanation of the need for the fifth dove is guaranteed to leave a lasting impression with readers of all ages.

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

Following the wild success of The Big Book of Bugs and The Big Book of Beasts, The Big Book of the Blue is the third installment in Yuval Zommer’s beloved series. Alongside everything the young oceanographer needs to know, Zommer’s charming illustrations bring to life some of the slipperiest, scaliest, strangest, and most monstrous underwater animals.

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.

Oceanarium: Welcome to the Museum

This stunning new offering from the Welcome to the Museum series guides readers around the world's oceans, from sandy shorelines to the darkest depths. Learn about the ocean’s most fascinating animals, including giant whale sharks, tiny tropical fish, and majestic manatees, among many others. With expert text by marine biologist Loveday Trinick and stunning illustrations by Teagan White, travel the world from frozen Arctic seas to shimmering coral reefs, and learn why it is so important that we protect our oceans.

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. 

The Master of Tides

In the city of Tarian, where mastery over the tides is essential for the city’s very existence, an unforeseen and unthinkable thing has happened. The Master of Tides—Tarian’s guardian for over seven hundred years—has died, and the Sand Coin, the object that gives the Master his power, has vanished into the shadows.

With the Sand Coin missing and Tarian under threat from an impending cataclysmic event, Cora, a spirited orphan girl laboring in the city’s Water Works, embarks on a desperate quest to save her city.

Along with Will, her charming yet unwelcome companion, Cora discovers that to find the Sand Coin, she must join the magical Wandering Circus. But who in this mysterious and dangerous troupe of young performers can she trust? And how far will Cora have to travel with the circus in order to bring the Sand Coin home?

Starfish (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science)

Starfish have arms, but no legs. They have feet, but no toes. Starfish aren't fish, but they are living animals. In this Let's-Read-and-Find-Out classic, learn how starfish move, eat, and grow. 

This is a clear and appealing science book for early elementary age kids, both at home and in the classroom. It's a Level 1 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out, which means the book explores introductory concepts perfect for children in the primary grades. The 100+ titles in this leading nonfiction series are:

  • hands-on and visual

Sand dollars are a wonderful blend of nature’s artistry and wonder. If you’ve ever walked on a beach and stumbled across a sand dollar, you know just how delicate and magical these little creatures can be.

Next, look at a few facts about sand dollars.

SAND DOLLAR FACTS

  • Sand dollars are flat, disk-shaped creatures that typically range from 2–4 inches across and are a kind of echinoderm, related to sea urchins and starfish.
  • They come in a few varieties, but the most commonly recognized sand dollar has a petal-like pattern on its upper surface, but it’s not a flower, it’s a set of pores that help it move and breathe.
  • They live on the ocean floor, often burrowing into sand in shallow coastal waters.
  • When alive, sand dollars are a rich purple or greenish color and covered in tiny, short spines.
  • Once the sand dollar dies and its spines fall off, its exoskeleton (called a “test”) is left to bleach in the sun, turning a soft white. Inside, a sand dollar has tiny “doves”, small, jaw-like structures which you can sometimes find when the sand dollar breaks.
Create Your Own Easy Sand Dollar Edible Beach Inspired Cookies

Ocean Anatomy by Julia Rothman is the perfect reference book for all things ocean, I just love the beautiful illustrations.

SAND DOLLAR ACTIVITIES AND RESOURCES

  • Perfect for preschoolers and inexpensive, these Paper Plate Sand Dollars will be a hit.
  • Fascinating Life Cycle Of A Sand Dollar & Hydro Dipped Craft is a colorful twist on creating art with your beach finds.
  • If all you have is sand dollar pieces you can still create this awesome Broken Sand Dollar Project
  • Learn How To Make A Simple Sea Urchin Craft: Echinoderms For Kids to learn about a completely different species.
  • Grab a cold drink and let someone else handle the read aloud for a few minutes with this reading of Sand Dollars By The Seashore on YouTube.
  • Small sand dollars you can use for science shelf exploration, sensory bins, ocean dioramas, and more.
Create Your Own Easy Sand Dollar Edible Beach Inspired Cookies

Bring a bit of the beach into your home with these simple and sweet sand dollar cookies.

They’re a wonderful activity to do with kids,  perfect for a summer afternoon or a beach-unit study.

MAKE SAND DOLLAR EDIBLE COOKIES FROM COOKIE MIX

Ingredients:

  • 1 package sugar cookie mix
  • Sliced almonds
  • Graham crackers or brown sugar

First, preheat oven: to 350°F

Prepare cookie dough according to package instructions.

Roll dough into golf ball–sized balls and place them 2 inches apart on a greased or parchment-lined cookie sheet.

Create Your Own Easy Sand Dollar Edible Beach Inspired Cookies

Gently press each ball into a disk about 1/4 inch thick.

Bake for 10–12 minutes or until the edges are firm and the bottoms are light golden brown.

One trick I have discovered for cookies that come out flattened or lopsided is to place a glass jar or cup over them while they are warm and gently swirl the cup this creates perfect circles.

Create Your Own Easy Sand Dollar Edible Beach Inspired Cookies

Press 5 almonds into the center of each cookie in a flower-like pattern to resemble a sand dollar. The sand dollar’s unique, flower-like pattern on its back is a big part of its look and this is a tasty way to recreate.

Create Your Own Easy Sand Dollar Edible Beach Inspired Cookies

Remove from the oven and let cookies cool for 5 minutes on the sheet, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Crush vanilla wafers up by hand in a plastic baggy or in a food processor to create sand, a perfect serving bed for your sand dollar cookies.

Create Your Own Easy Sand Dollar Edible Beach Inspired Cookies

Or to simplify this activity even further you can use brown sugar sprinkled on your plate to give it the look of sand.

Create Your Own Easy Sand Dollar Edible Beach Inspired Cookies

How fun are these cookies?

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: beach, elementary science, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, ocean, sand dollar, science

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.

Simple Oyster Shell Crafts For Kids And Mollusks Activities

Finally, look at these oyster shell crafts for kids.

OYSTER SHELL CRAFTS FOR KIDS

  • Easy Marbled Seashell Art for Kids
  • Seashell Pearl Resist Art
  • Paper Plate Oyster Craft Idea For Kids
  • Tie Dye with Sharpies on Shells
  • Salt dough shell mosaics
  • How to make a Seashell Flower Necklace
  • DIY Shell Planter
  • Shell Letters – Alphabet Activity
  • Playdough and Shells 
  • Seashell Mermaid Tiara
  •  DIY Salt Dough Seashell Pendants 
  • Shell candles
  • Melted Crayon Seashells

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, mollusks, ocean, oysters, science

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

  • Facts About Japan | How To Make Kids Easy Origami Fish
  • How to Fold an Origami Turtle
  • How to Make A Fun Origami Frog Amazon Rainforest Craft
  • How to Fold an Origami Dolphin
  • DIY Paper Fish Crafts
How To Make A Kids Origami Easy And Fun Whale

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.

How To Make A Kids Origami Easy And Fun Whale

Step 2:

Place the square paper on a flat surface.

Fold the square papers in half, vertically.

How To Make A Kids Origami Easy And Fun Whale

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.

How To Make A Kids Origami Easy And Fun Whale

Step 4:

Unfold the last 2 folds.

How To Make A Kids Origami Easy And Fun Whale

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.

How To Make A Kids Origami Easy And Fun Whale

Step 6:

Flatten the pattern along the folds.

How To Make A Kids Origami Easy And Fun Whale

Step 7:

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

How To Make A Kids Origami Easy And Fun Whale

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.

How To Make A Kids Origami Easy And Fun Whale

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.

How To Make A Kids Origami Easy And Fun Whale

Step 10:

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

How To Make A Kids Origami Easy And Fun Whale

Step 11:

Unfold the current top part of the tail fin.

How To Make A Kids Origami Easy And Fun Whale

Step 12:

Fold the tail fin end inwards.

How To Make A Kids Origami Easy And Fun Whale

Step 13:

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

How To Make A Kids Origami Easy And Fun Whale

Step 14:

Unfold the last fold.

How To Make A Kids Origami Easy And Fun Whale

Step 15:

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

How To Make A Kids Origami Easy And Fun Whale

Step 16:

Unfold the back layer of the last fold.

How To Make A Kids Origami Easy And Fun Whale

Step 17:

Turn the current pattern to the other side.

How To Make A Kids Origami Easy And Fun Whale

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.

How To Make A Kids Origami Easy And Fun Whale

Step 19:

Make a fold along the crease.

How To Make A Kids Origami Easy And Fun Whale

Step 20:

Turn the current pattern to the other side.

How To Make A Kids Origami Easy And Fun Whale

Step 21:

Make a fold along the yellow marked line.

How To Make A Kids Origami Easy And Fun Whale

Step 22:

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

How To Make A Kids Origami Easy And Fun Whale

Step 23:

Fold in the closed side along the crease.

How To Make A Kids Origami Easy And Fun Whale

Step 24:

Make a fold along the marked yellow line.

How To Make A Kids Origami Easy And Fun Whale

Step 25:

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

How To Make A Kids Origami Easy And Fun Whale

Step 26:

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

How To Make A Kids Origami Easy And Fun Whale

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

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, ocean, origami, whales

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