Make the Ocean in a Jar!

Explore the Ocean Zones with an Ocean in a Jar!

Hi there! Today, we’re going to learn about the different layers of the ocean and the amazing animals that live in each one. We’ll do this by creating a fun project called “Ocean in a Jar.” Let’s dive in and explore the ocean zones together!

Understanding Ocean Zones

There are three main zones in the ocean: the Sunlight Zone, the Twilight Zone, and the Midnight Zone. Each zone is home to different kinds of animals and has its own unique features.

• Sunlight Zone: This is the top layer of the ocean, where sunlight reaches the water. It’s warm and full of life, with lots of plants and animals like dolphins, sea turtles, and seaweed.
• Twilight Zone: Below the Sunlight Zone is the Twilight Zone. It’s darker here, so there aren’t many plants. However, animals like shrimp and swordfish can still be found.
• Midnight Zone: This is the deepest and darkest part of the ocean. The pressure is very high, and only special animals like giant squids, anglerfish, and blobfish can survive here.

Creating Your Ocean in a Jar

Let’s make our own ocean in a jar to see these zones in action! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Three shades of blue paper: light, medium, and dark
• White paper and crayons for drawing animals
• An empty jar
• Tape

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Look at a picture of the ocean zones to understand their sizes and positions.
2. Cut the darkest blue paper to wrap around the jar. This will be the Midnight Zone.
3. Cut the medium blue paper to be half the size of the dark paper. This will be the Twilight Zone.
4. Cut the lightest blue paper to be half the size of the medium paper. This will be the Sunlight Zone.
5. Tape the Sunlight Zone on top of the Midnight Zone paper, and then tape the Twilight Zone in between.
6. Draw animals for each zone on white paper. For the Sunlight Zone, draw a dolphin, sea turtle, and seaweed. For the Twilight Zone, draw shrimp and a swordfish. For the Midnight Zone, draw a giant squid, anglerfish, and blobfish.
7. Cut out your drawings and tape them in the correct zones on the paper.
8. Wrap the paper around the jar and tape it in place.
9. Fill the jar with water to complete your ocean in a jar!

And there you have it! You’ve created your very own ocean in a jar and learned about the fascinating zones of the ocean. If you want to share your creation, ask a grown-up to help you send us an email or leave a comment. Thanks for crafting and learning with us!