Underwater Explorer

Design your own underwater exploration invention using recycled materials.

• 1.

  Investigate the exciting world of science fiction and underwater exploration. Read about Jules Verne, the father of science fiction, who was born on February 8, 1828. Research the history of watercraft and predict future possibilities for underwater travel.

• 2.

  Design your own underwater explorer, or replicate a Jules Verne-type invention. Keep in mind water pressures, temperature, light availability, currents, animal life, and other scientific factors. Sketch your design with Crayola® Colored Pencils.

• 3.

  Use a variety of craft and recycled materials such as cardboard tubes, craft sticks, beads, small boxes, chenille sticks, and unused coffee filters to construct your apparatus.

• 4.

  Create unique platforms and observation instruments protruding from your vessel by cutting pieces of paper or craft materials with Crayola Scissors. Attach pieces to the apparatus with Crayola School Glue. Dry.

• 5.

  Cover your work area with recycled newspaper. Decorate your modern explorer with colorful Crayola Washable Paints and Paint Brushes. Include windows and doors with Crayola Washable Glitter Glue. Dry.

• 6.

  Add fine details with Crayola Markers.

Benefits

• Children read and respond to science fiction literature, such as that written by Jules Verne.
• Students research characteristics of deep-sea environments and use this information to design an underwater exploration apparatus.
• Students consider basic scientific laws, engineering principles, properties of materials, and construction techniques in designing and problem-solving during their construction.

Adaptations

• To further assess children's understanding of underwater exploration, children use Crayola Regular and Metallic Colored Pencils to draw cut-away scenes of the interiors of their underwater explorers, complete with labels and captions explaining the corrid
• Read aloud classic science fiction literature, or form small book groups to read and discuss together. Identify literary elements common to science fiction, and work together to examine character, plot, and setting.
• Write original works of science fiction to bring underwater explorers to life.
• Younger students and those with special needs may work best with a partner. Students can take turns holding and attaching materials and can brainstorm ways to solve problems. Encourage students to share ideas so all inventions are the best they can be.