STREAM Activity: Handprint Coral Reef

Enjoy a "hands-on" exploration of coral reefs!

Activity best for children ages 3 and up

It’s summertime and we ready for beach season! The ocean covers a huge part of our planet and there are so many animals and plants that live within it. Many of the ocean’s plants and animals live in coral reefs. A coral reef contains the highest number of species of plants and animals of any ecosystem other than rainforests!

This activity is a “hands-on” exploration of coral reefs! Using your very own handprints, you will create a vibrant coral reef.

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Materials:

Different color construction paper

Glue stick

Scissors

Markers or crayons

Guiding Questions:

What kinds of animals live in the ocean?

Why do you think so many animals live together in coral reefs?

What are your favorite ocean animals? Do you think they live in coral reefs?

Directions

Step 1

Gather your materials. Grab as many different colors of paper as you’d like and a blue piece for the background!

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Step 2

Trace your hands using a marker. Be sure to trace your hands in different positions so they will look like different shapes and sizes of coral.

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Step 3

Using the scissors, carefully cut out your handprints.

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Step 4

Glue the handprints on your dark blue background paper. Overlap the hands so that you can see all the colors peeking out between the fingers.

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Step 5

Using your crayons or markers, decorate your coral reef with your favorite ocean animals.

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Grown Ups-Are you looking for more ways to extend your child’s learning? Check out these extension activities to build upon today’s STREAM activity!

Reading Connections

Life in a Coral Reef By Wendy Pfeffer

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Real World Connections

Coral reefs are important ecosystems in our oceans. They provide food and jobs to many people throughout the world, and they are also very important for protecting our coastlines from storms that could harm communities. Our coral reefs need our protection, and the first step towards protecting them is taking the time to learn about them!