Dive into creativity and environmental responsibility with this fun and easy eco-friendly shark craft using recycled materials!
Materials Needed:
- 1 paper plate per child
- 1 used paper towel roll per child
- Blue paint
- Recycled construction paper (blue, red, and white)
- Paintbrushes
- Scissors
- Non-Toxic Glue
- Pencils or markers
- A cup of water (for rinsing brushes)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Plate:
- Have kids paint the back side of their paper plate blue. This will be the body of their shark. Allow time for the plates to dry completely.
2. Create the Fins and Tail:
- Instruct kids to cut the used paper towel roll into three pieces: one for the tail and two for the fins.
- Kids should paint these pieces blue and let them dry a bit. These pieces will be used for the shark’s fins and tail.
3. Make the Fins:
- While the fins and tail are drying, guide the kids to cut out two fins from the blue recycled construction paper. The fins should be triangular or pointed.
- Once cut, students can glue these paper fins onto the sides of their painted paper plate.
4. Add the Eyes:
- Have kids cut two circles from the blue construction paper for the shark’s eyes. They can draw smaller black circles in the middle of these blue circles for the pupils.
- They can glue the eyes onto the top of the paper plate.
5.. Create the Mouth:
- Guide the kids to cut out a red rectangle or curved shape from the red construction paper for the shark’s mouth.
- Kids can glue this mouth piece near the bottom of the plate, just below the eyes.
7. Add the Teeth:
- Have the kids cut out small triangles from the white construction paper to represent the shark’s teeth.
- They can glue these white triangles along the top edge of the red mouth piece.
8. Finish Up:
- Ensure all parts are securely glued and allow the sharks to dry completely.
Why Eco-Friendly Art Matters:
After the craft is complete, have a discussion with the students about the importance of using recycled materials:
- Reducing Waste: Explain how using items that would otherwise be thrown away helps keep our environment clean and reduces the amount of trash we produce.
- Saving Resources: Emphasize that recycling materials saves the resources needed to create new products, which is better for our planet.
- Being Creative and Responsible: Highlight that eco-friendly art shows how we can be creative and have fun while also taking care of the Earth.
Conversation Starter: Shark Conservation
This craft can also be a great way to introduce the topic of shark conservation:
- Shark Importance: Explain to students that sharks are important for keeping the ocean healthy. They help balance the ecosystem by keeping other animal populations in check.
- Threats to Sharks: Discuss the challenges sharks face, such as pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction. Emphasize that our actions, including reducing plastic waste, can help protect sharks.
- How We Can Help: Encourage students to think about how they can help sharks and the ocean. Simple actions like reducing plastic use, supporting marine conservation efforts, and spreading awareness about the importance of sharks can make a big difference.
You might also share interesting shark facts or show Mermaid Elle's Saving the Seas episode about sharks to engage students further. Encourage them to ask questions and share what they’ve learned with family and friends.
By linking this craft to shark conservation, you’re helping students connect their creative efforts with real-world issues, making the learning experience more meaningful and impactful. Happy crafting and educating!
Idea and photo thanks to Vanessa Ramirez @justteachme
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