Shell Out!

Nature’s seashells are not only beautiful and varied, but they also house a variety of creatures. Come out of your shell and discover a wonder of nature with these online activities.

 

CONNECT:

• Read cool facts about seashells at https://www.sciencing.com/seashell-kids-5233555/
• Watch what seashells are made of at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bmy2TfEJ42o
• Learn about 17 varieties of seashells at https://www.southernliving.com/travel/gastropod-shells

 

CREATE:

• Explore the wonders of the ocean with this collection of Shell Crafting Ideas at https://www.bakerross.co.uk/craft-ideas/category/kids/themes/seashell/  You can sort the activities by age, time to make and type of idea.
• Grow crystals on seashells by following the directions at https://www.engineeringemily.com/grow-crystals-on-seashells-steam-activity-for-kids/
• Party on with these sea-based activities at https://gooberstudioprints.com/2024/09/03/15-under-the-sea-party-games-and-activities-thatll-make-a-splash/?srsltid=AfmBOooSYVJXGH_Cv4pRtWbCjjsjR-Lm1WjrvixxmpczAbyuLtFy_D0m

 

CARE:

• Watch how to keep safe at the beach at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mFJeiji8IFE
• Considering collecting seashells? Is that good or bad? Watch the factors at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IE5t4zfsr6g
• If you DO want to collect seashells, here is how to do it responsibly: https://adventuregirl.com/activities/collecting-seashells/#:~:text=Limit%20Your%20Collection%3A%20Take%20only,or%20contributing%20to%20environmental%20degradation.

 

CONNECT:

Do you want to sell seashells on the seashore, or have other shell-centric careers? Besides collecting and selling seashells, you can study them as a scientist, cook with them, or make art with them. Here is a sampling of possibilities.

• https://unity.edu/environmental-careers/ocean-jobs-a-marine-careers-list-for-water-lovers/
• https://www.fit.edu/lp/ycd-career-options-in-marine-science/
• https://www.ucdavis.edu/news/seashells-inspired-career-lauded-evolutionary-geologist
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RW1CfHKVZSg

 

 

 

 

 

 

Go Fish!

The kingdom of the sea is the realm of fish. Consider your pet goldfish as a land visitor. Fish for these fun activities.

CONNECT:

• Do fish sleep? Do fish breathe air? Can fish swim backwards? Here’s a bouillabaisse of fish FAQs: http://www.nefsc.noaa.gov/faq/
• Experience an aquarium online in real time at http://www.waikikiaquarium.org/experience/webcam/
• At the bottom of the ocean where does light come from? Fish make their own light: bioluminescence. Shed some light on these DEEP water animals at http://ocean.si.edu/bioluminescence
• Seahorses aren’t horses. Sea horse dads give birth to their babies. What else makes seahorses special? Round up details about seahorses at http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/seahorse/

 

CREATE:

• Create a trivia fact game using the information from Shark Sider: http://www.sharksider.com/shark-facts/
• Try your hand at tying fishing knots by following the directions at http://www.fishingcairns.com.au/page6-1.html
• Learn how to fish in 9 easy steps: http://www.mykidsadventures.com/how-to-fish/
• Ever hear of folding fish? Try create origami fish by following the directions at http://www.origami-resource-center.com/origami-fish.html

CARE:

• Learn how to make an aquarium and take care of your pet fish by consulting http://www.tetra-fish.com/Splash.aspx
• Take care of your aquarium too; http://www.aquariumcarebasics.com/
• Use this web tool to diagnose your pet fish’s health: http://www.fishyportal.com/diag/
• Over 50 species of fish are threatened or endangered in the U.S. Leran how to help them keep around at https://www.fws.gov/endangered/. Type “fish” in the species search box to identify your favorite finny friend.

CAREERS:

Fishing for a good career? Your future may look watery – but fun!

• Consider volunteering for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: https://www.fws.gov/refuges/about/youth.html
• Meet an oceanographer: http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/edu/oceanage/05auster/welcome.html
• See the range of jobs in the fishing industry: http://www.fishingindustryjobs.com/fishing-index.asp