Diving the Deep

Diving the Deep lesson plan

Explore life underwater! Marvel at marine plants and creatures. Bring on the scuba-diving equipment for this colorful crayon resist!

  • 1.

    The seas are full of wonderful creatures, of many different sizes, shapes, and colors. Many ocean creatures are very different from those that on the land. Find information about the undersea ecosystem. Sketch your favorite marine creatures with Crayola® Crayons.

  • 2.

    What kinds of undersea equipment would you need in order to breathe and be comfortable at great ocean depths? Gather information about scuba diving and the equipment used to dive in deep water.

  • 3.

    On white drawing paper, illustrate several of the plants and animals that you learned about. Show their varied colors and shapes. Press hard on your crayons for rich, deep color. Include yourself in the picture, wearing scuba-diving equipment.

  • 4.

    Cover a table with recycled newspaper. Use Crayola Washable Watercolors and Paint Brushes to paint the sea around your creatures. Using a blue or green wash (a watery mix of paint), paint directly over your crayon drawing. The crayons will resist the watercolor, and brightly show through. Dry.

Benefits

  • Children research the plant and animal components of a marine ecosystem.
  • Students visualize undersea life, and picture themselves wearing scuba-diving equipment needed to explore underwater.
  • Children create a crayon-resist underwater scene in which they explore plant and animal life.

Adaptations

  • Visit aquariums so children can see first-hand how creatures move about in the water. Use adaptive equipment or ask children with special needs to work with a partner as appropriate to assure their full participation. Invite a scuba diver to demonstrate e
  • For an even more interesting effect, try a graded wash with your watercolors. Begin with a regular wash, then, before the wash has dried (move quickly!) apply a brush full of paint to the top edge of your painting. Hold the painting with the top edge up,
  • Create a crayon-resist drawing of a single fish, drawn in great detail. Look closely at the fish's scales, fins, and other appendages, and draw as much detail as you see. Use several colors of watercolor to paint over the crayon drawing to complete your fish.