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ocean

Free Ocean Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas

February 7, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

This free ocean lapbook and homeschool unit study is a topic that is a fun topic to do with multiple ages. Too, I have more ideas on my pages Oceans and Best Homeschool Unit Studies.

Whether your children want to focus on exploring the ocean, marine life, or wrecked ships, there are no shortage of topics to learn about.

Free Ocean Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas

I’ve gathered some of the best resources and I have a free ocean lapbook to add more hands-on ideas to your study.

The oceans cover more than two-thirds of the earth’s surface.

Though the waters on the earth are really one world ocean, they are referred to by many names: Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Arctic, and Southern.

Ocean Themed Resources

Add some of these books to your study which can also be used as a spine if you’re not wanting to purchase curriculum or a textbook.

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.

Too, look at RMS Titanic Unit Study and Free Lapbook and Coral Reef Unit Study and Lapbook.

Marine Life Resources and Crafts

Next, look at some of these ocean life resources.

  • Marine Life Encyclopedia – “Explore the Marine Life Encyclopedia to learn fun facts and more about your favorite marine animals. From sharks and sea turtles to ecosystems and corals, you’re in the right place to take a deep dive into life under the sea.”
  • The Ocean’s Weirdest Creatures! – “You’ll meet some seriously strange creatures here…”
  • From Egg to Sea Turtle Unit Study & Lapbook
  • Egg Carton Sea Life Recycled Craft
  • Fish Paper Craft for Kids
  • Free Shark Information Printables

And here are a few more:

  • Over 15 Ocean Animals Theme Unit Activities for Kids
Free Ocean Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas

Additionally, look at these hands-on ideas.

Hands-on Ocean Homeschool Unit Study Ideas

The best way to learn any topic is hands-on. So, I’ve gathered some hands-on ideas for multiple ages below.

  • How to Dissolve a Seashell – Beach Hands-on Fun Activity
  • Free Super Seashore Watching Unit Study and Beach Lapbook
  • Edible Geography – Sea Levels
  • Super Easy and Fun Aquarium Jar Craft
  • Create an Ocean in a Bottle
  • Layers of the Oceans Edible
Yum. Edible Ocean Layers @ Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus
Edible Ocean Layers Activity

Moreover, add these other ideas.

  • Making Ocean Layers Soap 
  • Beware of Ocean Pollution: Fun Science Activity
  • Kelp Forest Guide
  • Edible Coral Reef
  • How To Make An Ocean In A Bottle
  • 20 Fabulous Beach-Worthy Projects to Create from Seashells

Videos Ocean Resources

Also, you’ll love these other activities.

Free Ocean Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  • Scientists “See” Ocean Floor via Sonar 
  • Come Dive with Jellies – Jellyfish Rock!
  • Cool bioluminescent algae
  • Walking under a Frozen Ocean
  • Woman Spends Months Helping An Octopus Protect Her Eggs
  • 400-Pound Sea Turtle Gets Stuck Laying Her Eggs
  • No-Bake Shark Tank Cheesecake
  • Paper Plate Swimming Jellyfish Craft
Free Ocean Lapbook and Fun Homeschool Unit Study Ideas

Finally, look below how to grab the free lapbook.

HOW TO DOWNLOAD THE FREE OCEAN LAPBOOK

It’s a subscriber freebie.

 1) Sign up on my list and get this freebie NOW and my emails .

 2) Grab your freebie.

3) Last, look for my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you as a follower of me by email updates.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Lapbooks Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolscience, lapbook, lapbooking, lapbookresources, lapbooks, ocean, oceancurrents, oceanlayers, science

Quick Unit Study & Easy Salt water Density Ocean Science Experiments For Kindergarten

January 23, 2023 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Begin your ocean unit study with this salt water density experiment for ocean science experiments for kindergarten. Also, grab my other tips, ideas, and crafts for kindergarten on my page Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum.

While there are many fascinating animals, plants, and shells in the ocean there is so much more to learn about.

As a matter of fact, only 5% of the ocean has even been explored.

Quick Unit Study & Easy Salt water Density Ocean Science Experiments For Kindergarten

But beyond that for simple learning purposes there is much to cover beyond sharks, fish, and coral.

There are also the tides, ocean depth zones, and currents.

And today we are going to learn about salt water density and the effect it has on objects in it.

I have a fun but simple hands-on science experiment to learn about saltwater density.

Before we dive in, here are my suggestions for must haves for an ocean unit kindergarten to make it fun, immersive, and memorable.

Books for Kindergarten Ocean Unit Study

Kindergarten Ocean Unit Study Resources

Add a fun ocean unit study resource for kindergarten to your study for the day.

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.

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

Julia Rothman’s best-selling illustrated Anatomy series takes a deep dive into the wonders of the sea with Ocean Anatomy. 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. 

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.

100+ Pcs Beach Seashells Starfish, Various Sizes Ocean Seashells

Package includes about 100 or more pieces mixed beach sea shells. As shown in the picture, random matching includes seashells, starfish, tiny volutes varieties and sea snail, etc.

These seashell decors are exquisite and colorful, which are carefully handpicked and cleaned, generous size from 0.3" to 2.3", weigh about 250g, a wide variety of unique shells for crafts.

All-Natural Brown Play Sand for Mixing

This box has 2.5kg (5.5lb) of natural brown Kinetic Sand to mix, mold, squish, cut and more! Once you pick it up, you won’t be able to put it down! What will you create?

Shark Teeth in Bag Genuine Fossilized Specimens

Real Genuine Shark Teeth

Approximately 30 teeth per bag (plus fossils and bones!)

Great for classroom learning, Arts & Crafts and play "dig sites"

Animal Toy Figurine Models Including Sea Lion, Eagle Ray, Starfish, Turtle, Penguin, Octopus, Humpback Whale, Sperm Whale, Moray Eel, Hammerhead Shark, Tiger Shark, and Dolphin

SET OF 12 FAVORITE FIGURINES – This TOOB brings together 12 of your favorite ocean-dwelling friends, including a sea lion, eagle ray, starfish, turtle, penguin, octopus, humpback whale, sperm whale, moray eel, hammerhead shark, tiger shark, and dolphin!

Also, add in some hands-on ocean activities while learning about ocean science experiments for kindergarten.

Ocean Unit Study Hands-on Ideas

  • Super Easy and Fun Aquarium Jar Craft
  • Fun Making Ocean Layers Soap
  • Beware of Ocean Pollution
  • Ocean Scavenger Hunt
  • Edible Ocean Layers
  • Message in a Bottle
  • Edible Geography – Sea Levels
  • Ocean Slime
  • Free Ocean Lapbook and Unit Study
Edible Geography Sea Levels
Edible Geography Sea Levels

Too, look at more kindergarten homeschool curriculum and craft ideas below.

Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum And Crafts

  • Bird Craft For Kindergarten Make an Adorable Fun American Robin Foot Print
  • Kindergarten Crafts for Winter An Easy and Fun Polar Bear Fork Painting
  • How to Make A Fun ABC Flip Book Fingerprint Activity for Kindergarten
  • Homeschool Kindergarten Life Science – Hands-on Fun Nature Tree Study
  • 40 Awesome Earth Science Movies for Kindergarten
  • Growing a Seed Activity For Kindergarten Science Kids Activity
  • Native American Activities For Kindergarten Create A Fun Cradleboard Craft
  • Rainforest Science Activities For Kindergarten Amazing and Fun Living Terrarium
  • Pond Life for Kindergarten Activity Build a Fun Beaver Dam
  • Easy and Fun Pine Cone Snowy Owl Winter Craft for Kindergarten
  • 4 Fun and Engaging Bat Activities for Kindergarten
  • Native American Crafts for Kindergarten How to Make a Kids Pinch Pot
  • 10 Best Homeschool Phonics Curriculum For Kindergarten
  • 15 Fun Resources For History for Kindergarten Homeschool
  • 19 Fun Hands-on Rainforest Activities for Kindergarten
  • Rainforest Crafts for Kindergarten: Make an Easy Paper Plate Monkey
  • How to Create the Best Homeschool Schedule for Kindergarten (free printable)
  • 60 Favorite Top Homeschooling Materials for Kindergarten
  • 10 Affordable and Complete Homeschool Kindergarten Curriculum
  • How to Effortlessly Blend Kindergarten Homeschool Subjects & Life
  • BEST Free Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum With A Gentle Approach (List)
  • Delightful Kindergarten Homeschool Curriculum Which Promote a Love of Learning
Quick Unit Study & Easy Salt water Density Ocean Science Experiments For Kindergarten

Finally, let’s do a hands-on easy salt water density experiment.

Ocean Science Experiments For Kindergarten Salt Water Density

So no special supplies needed.

Quick Unit Study & Easy Salt water Density Ocean Science Experiments For Kindergarten

You will need:

  • 3 clear cups
  • Salt
  • Warm tap water
  • 3 raw eggs
  • cardstock/pen
Quick Unit Study & Easy Salt water Density Ocean Science Experiments For Kindergarten

Place 3 clear cups out, you can use plastic or glass just make sure all 3 are the same.

Add equal amounts of warm tap water in each cup.

Measure 1 Tablespoon of salt into one cup, 2 teaspoons in another, and put nothing in the third.

Quick Unit Study & Easy Salt water Density Ocean Science Experiments For Kindergarten

Stir to combine the salt into the water completely.

Quick Unit Study & Easy Salt water Density Ocean Science Experiments For Kindergarten

Make a label for each of the cups to keep them straight and place it in front.

Quick Unit Study & Easy Salt water Density Ocean Science Experiments For Kindergarten

Carefully drop an egg into each cup.

Why happens?

The egg in the cup with the most salt water floats near the top because the density of the water is greater than that of the egg.

The water with less salt water sits about halfway in the water because the density ratio of water vs. object is close.

The raw egg in plain water sinks quickly to the bottom, the reason this happens is because the egg has less density than the water.

Ask your child some questions to get them thinking – Which egg is floating?

What happened to the egg with no salt in the water? Why do you think that happened?

Quick Unit Study & Easy Salt water Density Ocean Science Experiments For Kindergarten

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: earth science, elementary science, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolscience, kindergarten, ocean, science

The Geronimo Stilton Series: Make a Fun Edible Coral Reef

September 10, 2022 | 2 Comments
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Today, for book Number 29 Down and Out Down Under of the Geronimo Stilton series, we’re making an edible coral reef. The Geronimo Stilton books are for ages 7 to 10 years old and are full of mouse fun and adventure.

In the Geronimo Stilton series book Down and Out Down Under, Geronimo is off to learn on adventure to Australia.

The Geronimo Stilton Series: Make a Fun Edible Coral Reef

And when you think of Australia you may immediately picture cute koalas and terrifying crocodiles but another famous and very important part of Australia is The Great Barrier Reef.

The idea for creating this fun hands-on coral reef is from our latest read which is Down and Out Down Under (Geronimo Stilton #29).

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World and is teeming with incredible life, color, and beauty.

The story covers a lot of topics of interest in Australia.

This fun book mentions land animals, Uluru, Aborigines, topography, and the Great Barrier Reef .

Great Barrier Reef Resources

Today’s hands-on activity is fun, colorful, and a great way to teach all ages about the life that is in the Great Barrier Reef.

If you want to make an impact, hands-on activities are always the best way to fully immerse your kids into your topic.

This hands-on fun activity also appeals to all 5 senses and will make certain that your kids do not forget while they learned anytime soon.

Besides Down and Out Down Under (Geronimo Stilton #29) here are a few beautifully illustrated spines you may want to add to your library.

They are great basics that give great bites of information about the ocean, reefs, ocean animals and plants, and more.

  • Ocean Anatomy . I am such a big fan of the illustrations in these books but also how much information is contained in each topic. This one covers everything from why the ocean is blue and salty to tides, animal life, and even a section on The Great Barrier Reef specifically!

I am such a big fan of the illustrations in these books but also how much information is contained in each topic.

This one covers everything from why the ocean is blue and salty to tides, animal life, and even a section on The Great Barrier Reef specifically

The Geronimo Stilton Series: Make a Fun Edible Coral Reef
  • Oceanarium: Welcome to the Museum
  • The Big Book of Blue
  • Basher Oceans

Facts About the Great Barrier Reef

:Next, here are a few facts to share about the The Great Barrier Reef.

  • The Great Barrier Reef, located off of the eastern coast of Australia, is the longest coral reef in the world.
  • It is home to 1500 species of tropical fish and 400 finds of hard and soft coral
  • The reef serves as a protective habitat for many other forms of marine life.
  • One of the threats to reefs is coral bleaching.
  • Crown-of-thorns starfish is one of the predators to the reef which feeds on the soft coral polyps.
  • A coral reef is a fragile ecosystem which requires very specific conditions. The water must be warm (between 69-84 F) and relatively shallow (to depths of 60-100 ft).
  • Coral reefs exist in shallow waters because they depend on photosynthesis for food production. Photosynthesis is the chemical process by which plants capture sunlight and convert it, along with water and carbon dioxide into energy.

While your child designs their own little slice of sea life you can talk about the various life that lives here, what is being done to preserve it and where its located.

The Geronimo Stilton Series: Make a Fun Edible Coral Reef

Next, look at how to make this fun hands-on edible coral reef.

How to Make an Edible Reef

Here is a list of some things we used. Your list can vary depending on what you use for plants and animals

  • One half sheet cake or a boxed cake mix
  • Vanilla wafers
  • Assorted candy – airheads, licorice whips, swedish fish, cookies, sprinkles and white chocolate pretzels
  • Icing in various colors or food coloring for your own icing

Bake your cake according to package directions and allow to cool completely.

Flip pan to carefully remove cake and cut ⅓ of the cake off.

Flip over the two pieces and stack the smaller one on top of  the other.

The Geronimo Stilton Series: Make a Fun Edible Coral Reef

And because reefs have overhangs and caves, you can make some nooks and caves by digging out some of the cake.

Add a little food coloring to the frosting and stir. Use any shade you like to create your base.

The Geronimo Stilton Series: Make a Fun Edible Coral Reef

Carefully ice all over the cake making different blobs and creating different textures creating the base mound of your coral.

You want it to look like big rocks.

The Geronimo Stilton Series: Make a Fun Edible Coral Reef

Cut up airheads, licorice ropes and other candies to create colorful coral and push in all over the cake.

Broken white chocolate pretzels make nice coral.

Use the heat from your hands to soften Airheads or other taffy and make some fan coral for your reef.

The Geronimo Stilton Series: Make a Fun Edible Coral Reef

Also, you could create a makeshift piping bag by putting warm wax into a sandwich bag, cut off a small corner and squeeze to make coral shapes onto wax paper.

Allow to cool and harden then remove carefully from waxed paper.

Finally, add in some fun sea creatures and you can add some fun decorations.

These are from obviously these are not edible.

The Geronimo Stilton Series: Make a Fun Edible Coral Reef

Be sure to wash them well before using to disinfect them and keep your cake safe.

And you’ll love these other Geronimo Stilton.

Other Geronimo Stilton Resources:

  • Geronimo Stilton Field Trip to Niagara Falls Summary And Fun Corn Craft
  • Geronimo Stilton Adventures The Journey Through Time #2: Back in Time (Colosseum Craft)
  • The Race Against Time Geronimo Stilton Activities: Fun Edible Spine
  • Geronimo Stilton Adventure The Journey Through Time #2: Back in Time (Mayan Craft)
  • Geronimo Stilton The Curse of The Cheese Pyramid Barbie Mummy
  • Easy and Fun Who Is Geronimo Stilton Rodent Notebooking Page
The Geronimo Stilton Series: Make a Fun Edible Coral Reef

Too, you’ll love the ocean and coral reef resources I have here.

Ocean and Coral Reef Resources

  • Coral Reef Unit Study and Lapbook
  • Fun Making Ocean Layers Soap | Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers
  • Beware of Ocean Pollution: Fun Science Activity for Kids

2 CommentsFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: Australia, coral reef, earthscience, geography, Geronimo Stilton, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool geography, homeschoolscience, ocean, science

Super Easy and Fun Aquarium Jar Craft For Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers

July 24, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Your kids will love this fun aquarium jar craft for summer activities for middle schoolers. Whether you’re diving into a study about the oceans or doing a shark unit study, hands-on activities are the way to go. Also, look at my page homeschool middle school for more fun tips.

Either use an upcycled jar or a mason jar from Dollar Tree. This easy aquarium craft for summer activities for middle schoolers is a multisensory approach to learning.

Not all middle schoolers are at the same level of maturity, so a hands-on approach is effective at getting information in.

Super Easy and Fun Aquarium Jar Craft For Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers

In addition, no matter how easy of a project, it can help the information stay in little growing brains.

When we study a particular topic I like to include as many hands-on activities as possible and they range from super simple to more involved.

In addition, with shark week looming I started brainstorming fun and easy ways to learn about sharks and other ocean creatures in a unique way. 

Besides, this is easy enough to make for a fun summer activity or to use for a homeschool summer co-op.

Craft For Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers

First, I gathered up some of our favorite books to fit the theme.

  • Ocean Anatomy,
  • Basher Ocean, and 
  • The Big Book of Blue for reference.

We really enjoy the illustrations and the way the information is provided in simple little nuggets.

Next, before introducing the mini aquarium jar craft learn a few facts about the ocean.

For example, start with the fact that the ocean is a vast and mostly unexplored part of our Earth.

And it is filled with many beautiful and at the same time frightening creatures.

Super Easy and Fun Aquarium Jar Craft For Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers

Encourage your child to be a marine biologist if just for the day.

Learn about a couple of creatures, their habits, feeding, characteristics, and what part they play in the oceans ecosystem.

Ocean Craft for Tweens

Have your middle schooler go through your ocean themed books. And the pile of plastic ocean animals. Choose just two to learn about. Here are the easy stipulations.

First, the animal had to fit in the small plastic mason jar from the Dollar Tree.

Second, the animal has to be one that your child is interested in learning about . This way he can research and learn about the animal for the rest of the assignment.

Although you may school year round, you can use assignments like this in summer to keep writing to a a minimal while sneaking in some learning through summer crafts.

Next, look at this easy list of supplies.

Super Easy and Fun Aquarium Jar Craft For Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers
  • A smooth upcycled jar or plastic mason jar from Dollar Tree
  • Gravel or sand
  • Plastic ocean animals
  • A Hot glue gun
  • Distilled water
  • Essential oil or hand sanitizer   

How to Make a Simple Jar Aquarium Ocean Craft

Begin by using a smooth upcycled jar or mason jar from Dollar Tree.

Sometimes the empty name brand jars have a good amount of writing and raised designs.

However, jars like spaghetti and pickle jars are good choices. Once you soak the label off they are usually smooth.

I pick up a couple of these plastic mason jars from Dollar Tree every so often because they are great for not only storage but also crafts.

Super Easy and Fun Aquarium Jar Craft For Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers

Start by putting hot glue on the bottom of a piece of coral or plastic aquarium plant.

Press into the bottom of the jar. 

And if you don’t have one in your plastic animals you can easily make some with craft foam.

They will stand upright and hold up to being soaked in water.

Next, add a layer of gravel or sand, just a bit to cover the bottom.

Super Easy and Fun Aquarium Jar Craft For Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers

Next hot glue some of the animals in place.

We didn’t want our animals floating upside down or all piled up on the bottom.

And the glue shows very little through the jar.

We chose a giant squid and whale shark

Add just a tiny bit of hot glue and press them into place.

Super Easy and Fun Aquarium Jar Craft For Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers

Once glue is cooled and hardened slowly add distilled water to ⅛” from the top of the jar.

You can add a bit of blue food coloring if you like too.

But previously we found that it made it too cloudy to see well.

Super Easy and Fun Aquarium Jar Craft For Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers

Additionally to keep the water from going bad you can add a couple drops of antibacterial essential oil . Hand sanitizer works as well.

Super Easy and Fun Aquarium Jar Craft For Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers

Add a bit of hot glue to the threads on the lid, Then, screw into place to keep it from leaking.

Finally, you can add quite a bit to this activity by watching a documentary.

Watch a document while your child puts the jar aquarium together

Too, create the mini aquarium during read aloud time with an ocean themed book keeps wiggly learners interest.

A few more ideas to make this fun are to use chalk pastels. Sketch your chosen animals for a fresh art piece.

Chalk pastels are more intriguing than everyday crayons. Also, have your child create a large model of their animal with paper mache.

What ocean crafts do you like doing during summer with your middle schoolers?

Other Ocean Crafts for Middle Schoolers

  • A to Z List: 100 Fun Summer Homeschool Unit Study Ideas
  • 30+ Summer Activities for Middle School Kids
  • 20 Fun Summer Ideas for a Teen

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities, Homeschooling Tagged With: earthscience, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolscience, life science, middle school, middleschool, ocean, science, summer activities

Fun Making Ocean Layers Soap | Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers

July 13, 2022 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

If you’re diving into a study on the ocean layers, doing summer activities for middle schoolers, or want to do an Ocean Unit Study and Ocean Lapbook, our kids will love this ocean layers soap. Also, look at my page Homeschool Middle School for more fun tips.

Besides, there is no better way to learn than with a fun hands-on activity that demonstrates an idea you are trying to get across.

And yes, you could even make this fun soap activity for Shark Week.

Fun Making Ocean Layers Soap | Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers

The ocean is a huge and mostly unexplored part of our earth. As a matter of fact only about 20% of it has been explored and mapped by humans.

It is made up of 5 layers and each is different not just in depth but in temperature.

Too, the life that lives in each layer is very different.

It is fascinating, mysterious, scary, beautiful, and changing.

Today, we are going to create a beautiful bar of soap to demonstrate the 5 layers of the ocean and we can learn quite a bit while completing this activity.

Also, you’ll want to grab a couple of books to reference throughout.

And one of our favorites is Ocean Anatomy because of its beautiful illustrations and concise bites of information, even a high schooler enjoys it!

Another great one, especially for littles is The Big Book of Blue, another one with great illustrations.

Also, Basher has a great line that cover a lot of science as well as other topics.

We used Oceans as a reference during our soap making as well.

In addition, I’ll be sharing some research questions for each layer to challenge your child.

Fun Making Ocean Layers Soap | Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers

This will encourage them to use a reference book or internet, whichever you prefer to find out the answer.

We are going to make just enough today to make a couple of bars but you could easily double or triple the recipe for a larger batch.

Too, if you have access to a microwave this project would make a great activity for your co-op as well.

Layers of the Ocean

1. The Trenches (Hadalpelagic Zone)

First, The Trenches (Hadalpelagic Zone) is the deepest and darkest layer of the ocean.

It ranges from about 20,000 feet down to an estimate of 36,000 feet. It is freezing and the pressure is enormous there. 

Hadal is named after Hades, Greek God of the underworld. While not a lot, there are some creatures that make their home there.

And a question: What is the deepest trench in the ocean? ( The Mariana Trench)

2. The Abyss(Abyssopelagic Zone)

Second, The Abyss(Abyssopelagic Zone) has crushing pressure and extremely cold temps.

And this part of the ocean ranges from about 13,700 feet down to 19,700 feet.

Ocean life is still scarce here but not nonexistent. This layer makes up about 83% of the total ocean.

And a question for your children: Name 3 creatures that live in this zone.
Chemosynthetic bacteria, tubeworms, and small fish, sharks, invertebrates and some crustaceans.

3. The Midnight Zone (Bathypelagic Zone)

Third is The Midnight Zone (Bathypelagic Zone).

The only light you will find in this mid layer of the ocean is from bioluminescent fish.

The Midnight zone ranges from 3,280 feet to 13,135 feet down into the depths.

And a question for your children: What is bioluminescence? 
It is the production and emission of light from living organisms.

4. The Twilight Zone (Mesopelagic Zone)

Fourth is The Twilight Zone (Mesopelagic Zone).

Below 660 all the way down to 3,280 feet deep this layer is where some whales travel to eat.

Some of the animals here are darker and thinner for camouflage.

Too, squid and octopus are lurking at these depths.

Question: How many species of animals live in the Twilight Zone?
There are over 700.

5. The Sunlight Zone.

Fifth is The Sunlight Zone.

This top layer of the ocean only extends down to 660 feet.

There is plenty of sunlight here, hence the name, and there is a wider range of temperatures within this zone.

Fun question: In this zone where divers explore, what does SCUBA stand for?
Self-contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus.

Fun Making Ocean Layers Soap | Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers

Layers of the Ocean Soap Craft

Next, have fun making this layers of ocean soap craft.

Here is your list.

  • Clear melt and pour soap base
  • Blue Mica Powder or Soap Colorant
  • Soap Mold
  • Your favorite essential oil scents or soap fragrance. (Grab the Caribbean Set with scents like Pina Colada and Ocean Breeze)
  • glass bowl or measuring cup
  • 5 Small glass bowls for dividing up colors
  • rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle

First, cut your soap into 1” chunks and place in the glass bowl.

Fun Making Ocean Layers Soap | Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers

Heat in the microwave for 1 minute and then in 30 second intervals until completely melted.

Mix in your scents to the desired scent strength.

We are going with coconut and lime today for our ocean scented soap, but you can put in any scent or combination you like.

Fun Making Ocean Layers Soap | Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers

Next, divide soap evenly between your bowls.

We love these little glass dishes from Dollar Tree because they work well for everything from sauces to experiments and at only 4/$1.25 they are a great kitchen or science addition!

Fun Making Ocean Layers Soap | Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers

Work quickly and add some color to each bowl.

Add only a small amount to the first bowl and adding more as go. We added a tiny bit of green and some black to the last to help make it even darker.

Pour your lightest layer in the mold and spritz it with rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. This helps remove bubbles and will also help each layer stick together.

Fun Making Ocean Layers Soap | Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers

Let it set for 15-20 minutes to harden. 

You will need to melt each layer in the microwave again for about a minute as it will harden while waiting.

However, no fret because it’s very easy to bring it back to a liquid state.

While we waited for each layer to melt we talked about that particular part of the ocean, looking up facts, watching videos, and reading our books.

Continue adding layers, lightest to darkest, spraying with alcohol between each.

Fun Making Ocean Layers Soap | Summer Activities for Middle Schoolers

Let your soap sit overnight then remove it from the mold.

More Ocean Activities for Summer

  • Ocean Unit Study and Lapbook
  • Beware of Ocean Pollution: Fun Science Activity for Kids
  • Ocean Unit Study – Ocean Layers Edible
  • Ocean Unit Study Language Arts: Message in a Bottle
  • Humboldt Who? Hands On to Understand Ocean Currents & Their Effect On The Galapagos Islands
  • How to Dissolve a Seashell – Beach Hands-on Fun Activity

With just one activity we have covered science, geography, life skills, and art. Jot all those down in your Ultimate and Beautiful DIY Homeschool Unit Study Planner.

  • 2. Ultimate DIY Homeschool Unit Study Planner

    2. Ultimate DIY Homeschool Unit Study Planner

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Your child has used research skills, fine motor skills, following directions, reading, coordination, writing, and so much more!

The added bonus is that you are making memories while you learn about the ocean and its layers.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities, Middle School Homeschool Tagged With: earthscience, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, middle school, middleschool, ocean, oceanlayers, science

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