Glittery Shell Fish
Compare and contrast various forms of ocean life, identify shellfish by their shell characteristics, and create ocean scenes inside shells.
1. Find information about fish and shellfish that live in salt water. Find similarities and differences in the two creatures' physical characteristics, habitats, and lives. Look closely at real shells. Identify the names of several different types of seashells.
2. Find clam or scallop shells that are white inside. You might search for them on a nearby beach, or ask friends and relatives whether they have some left from their vacations. Clean the shells so they are clear of debris and sand. Dry.
3. Create miniature ocean paintings inside the shells using Crayola® Gel Markers. Fish, crabs, water, palm trees, swimmers, or a sailboat on the water are just a few examples of scenes you could use.
4. Add sparkly highlights to your waves or fish scales, for example, with Crayola Glitter Glue. Dry.
Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.
Glitter Glue—
WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—Small parts. Not for children under 3 years. Not for use on skin.
- Using the type of shell that was painted, tell a story about the clam, scallop, or oyster that used to live in it.
- Write a paragraph or poem about the painting inside the seashell. Edit and then rewrite it on colorful paper. Glue the shell beside it. This would make a great display or bulletin board.
- With young children and some children with special needs, visit an aquarium, fishing wharf, and other sites so they can better grasp the context in which fish live and the great variety of sea life. Incorporate learning through as many of their senses as possible: sight, hearing, touch, smell, and taste.
- If you live far from the coast, create your own shell replicas from Crayola® Model Magic using book illustrations and online pictures as your guide. Impress patterns in the outer surfaces of partly-dry Model Magic shapes and design colorful surfaces with markers and glitter glue.
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