Ocean Scenes and Coral Reefs

Oceans come to life with colored chalk drawings.

• 1.

  Examine photographs or illustrations of life at various levels of the ocean, from beach to deep sea. Note contrasts in colors and textures. Identify variations in plant and animal life.

• 2.

  With Crayola® Colored Drawing Chalk, draw these layers of the ocean on construction paper.

• 3.

  To create textures (a coral reef perhaps?), rub chalk over a textured background such as the sidewalk.

• 4.

  Draw details of plant and animal life, tucked in and peering out of crevices or coral reef, with fine lines of bright colors. Make shadows, and use misty, blended layers, to create a sense of depth.

• 5.

  Glue small seashells on the beach if desired with Crayola School Glue.

Benefits

• Children explore plants and animals that live at various ocean levels, including beaches and coral reefs.
• Students demonstrate their understanding of ocean layers and life with chalk drawings.

Adaptations

• Chalk is great to portray fog, wind, rain, and snow. Imagine the possibilities for tornadoes, dust storms, blizzards, and snow squalls.
• Visit aquariums. Start an underwater habitat in the classroom.
• Compare fresh-water and salt-water habitats. What different types of life are found in each? How does the water quality differ? Where are these bodies of water found on Earth?
• Younger children and those with special needs may benefit from short practice sessions trying out chalk drawing techniques. Provide plenty of paper for experimenting.