Kelp Critters

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This marine biology activity (on pages 11-17) introduces learners to kelp (seaweed) forests that grow in the ocean and are home to many species of sea animals. Learners construct a forest make of crepe paper, and populate it with drawings of kelp forest creatures such as sea stars, otters, and crabs. Learners determine where to place their animal drawings based on information provided in the activity about where different kelp animals live in the underwater forest. This activity could be used for an ocean themed unit.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Learning Time:
1 to 2 hours
Estimated Materials Cost:
$1 - $5 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 14
Resource Types:
Activity, Model
Language:
English, Spanish

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Beachcomber’s Guide or pictures of kelp forest animals from Web
  • space for the kelp forest: a corner of room or floor-to-ceiling wall with 1-meter area in front
  • 1 package of different shades of green crepe paper (flat sheets )
  • white construction paper
  • markers or colored pencils and crayons
  • tape
  • stapler
  • scissors
  • rocks (10-12 cm. in diameter, 2 for each participant)

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Structure
      • Oceans and Water
  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Plants
      • Animals
    • Ecology

Informal Categories

  • Animals
  • Arts and Crafts
  • Nature and Environment

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves teamwork and communication skills
  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

Foreign language versions of this resource:

Components that are part of this resource:

Includes alignment to state and/or national standards:

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Source Collection

  • Science After School Consumer's Guide

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, University of Nebraska State Museum and Nebraska 4-H, 2001

Funding Sources:

  • National Science Foundation Informal Science Education Program, 9909496
  • Howard Hughes Medical Institute