Shark Week is an exciting time for kids to learn about these fascinating creatures and the ocean ecosystem. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or caregiver, these ideas will provide you with a variety of engaging activities that will keep kids entertained and educated during Shark Week. From ocean-themed crafts to hands-on science experiments, art projects, and other educational ideas, there’s something for every young shark enthusiast. So, let’s dive in and explore the wonderful world of sharks!
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Photo by Gerald Schömbs on Unsplash
Continuing on with our summer learning at home series, this week’s theme is all about the ocean and one of the ocean’s most revered animals, sharks! Here are some fun and simple activities you can do a home with your kids to promote learning more about ocean animals, including sharks.
- Ocean Crafts:
– Create a Shark Puppet: Using paper plates, construction paper, and googly eyes, kids can make their own shark puppets. They can then use their puppets to act out shark stories or put on a puppet show.
– DIY Ocean Diorama: Help kids create a mini ocean scene using a shoebox, blue construction paper, and various craft materials like seashells, plastic sea creatures, and glitter. This activity allows them to learn about different ocean habitats and the creatures that live in them. One of our favorite crafts we’ve done are our paper plate dioramas that we added glitter and used a clear food bag to create an ocean portal.
- Science Experiments:
– Shark Anatomy Lesson: Kids can learn about shark anatomy using online resources or educational apps. Amazon has fossilized shark teeth that you can purchase to examine the structure and density. This hands-on activity will teach them about the internal structure of sharks and how they are adapted to their environment.
– Ocean Density Experiment: Kids can explore the concept of density by creating a saltwater solution and freshwater solution. They can then experiment by adding objects like seashells, plastic sharks, and other items to see which ones float and which ones sink. This experiment helps them understand how saltwater is denser than freshwater.
- Art Projects:
– Shark Watercolor Painting: Encourage kids to create their own shark-themed watercolor paintings. They can use different shades of blue to depict the ocean and add details like sharks, coral reefs, and other marine life. This activity allows them to explore their creativity while learning about color mixing and blending techniques. You can also find ready made painting kits that feature ocean animals.
– Shark Origami: Teach kids the art of origami by guiding them through the steps to fold a paper shark. They can then decorate their origami sharks with markers or colored pencils. This activity enhances their fine motor skills and introduces them to the Japanese art of paper folding.
- Education Ideas:
– Shark Research Project: Assign kids a specific shark species and have them conduct research to learn more about its habitat, diet, behavior, and conservation status. They can create a poster or a PowerPoint presentation to share their findings with others.
– Shark Storytelling: Encourage kids to write their own shark stories or poems. They can let their imagination run wild and create fictional tales about sharks or write informative pieces about shark facts. This activity promotes literacy skills and allows them to express their creativity. For children that aren’t yet writing, you can use a felt story board to create the story.
Books on Sharks: Super Shark Encyclopedia by DK Books; Shark Activity Book by National Geographic; Hark! A Shark! by Bonnie Worth
Find these fun shark projects below:
Found in photo:
Learn About Sharks / Shark Encyclopedia / Shark Teeth / Shark Wood Model / Shark Bead Kit / Hark! A Shark! Book / Sea Animal Paint Kit
Shark Week is not only a time for thrilling TV shows but also an opportunity for kids to engage in fun and educational activities. By incorporating ocean-related crafts, science experiments, art projects, and other educational ideas, you can make Shark Week a memorable and enriching experience for children. So, get ready to dive into the world of sharks and inspire young minds to explore the wonders of the ocean!
Watch our ocean focused learning activities series on YouTube:
Happy learning!
** All opinions are my own. This post contains affiliate links. Being Mommy with Style is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com
