Frame from the Sea

This activity is suitable for preschool and elementary school levels. It can be conducted near the sea or a lake at schools, and students heading for summer vacation can also collect items from the seaside. It's important to help students understand that every material or item we use in our lives ultimately comes from nature.

Purpose of the Activity:

yaprak Direct children's interest towards nature, creating products using the beauty of nature

Yaprak Contribute to children's awareness of "Nature" and "Environment"

Yaprak Increase children's sensitivity towards living and non-living entities around them

yaprak Educate children about animal diversity and different species

yaprak Help children understand the necessity of ecological diversity

yaprak Foster knowledge about creativity using materials from nature

yaprak Teach children that every animal has a place, life, and role in the environment

First the Story

One weekend, Ruka, Tako, and Tako's grandfather went to the beach. Their goal was to get some fresh sea air and enjoy the beautiful day. When Ruka saw the vast sea, she was mesmerized. Then she noticed the colorful, jewel-like stones on the beach. She bent down, picked a few, and examined them carefully.

Tako immediately asked:

What's up, Ruka? Did you find something?

These sea stones are amazing. Look at the variety... Can't we make something with them?

Of course we can. Nature is rich enough to offer wonderful opportunities for both living and non-living things, Ruka. What would you like to make?

I don't know? We could make something that will always remind us of today. Because right now, I'm so happy.

Hmm, what could we make? I got it! How about we make a picture frame? Then my grandpa can take our picture, and we can put it in the frame.

That's a great idea. In that case, let's not just collect stones but seashells too! I want to collect them all.

No, no, no, Ruka. It's not right to collect too many materials from nature. Everything you collect could be a home or food for another living creature. Or maybe the material is very important for decomposing in nature. We can't know for sure. So, it's smarter to only take what we need from nature.

I hadn't thought of it that way. Then let's just collect the most beautiful ones! Does that sound good?

Sure. Look, there's a dried piece of seaweed next to your foot. Do you want to take that too?

I do. And I also want that shiny seashell over there!

Materials

Natural Materials Adhesive Picture Frame Seashells Spray Varnish

Activity

As a class, colorful pebbles, tree pieces, and seashells collected from a beach or lake trip.

When the collected seashells and stones are brought to the classroom, they are first soaked in clean water for about an hour to remove salt, sand, and any debris. Then, they are left to dry thoroughly. Once dry, a thin layer of spray varnish is applied over the seashells and stones. Allow the varnish to dry completely.

Once the varnish is dry, the shells are given to the children. With adhesive, children design and stick the shells, stones, and tree pieces onto the frame. Once the adhesive is dry, the activity is complete.

Seashell Frame

Attention!

Picture frames are not mandatory for this activity. Frames can also be made from cardboard.

When using spray varnish, all windows of the classroom should be opened and the classroom should be well ventilated after the activity. If possible, the varnishing process can be done in an open area outside of the classroom.

This activity can be done not only with sea shells but also with flowers, branches, and different kinds of shells collected from nature.

Frames

Assessment Questions

leaf In what colors did you collect the shells?

leaf Where did you collect these shells and stones?

leaf Why did you want to collect these shells and stones? Which feature did you like the most?

leaf Where do you think these shells come from?

leaf If you don't think these shells were made by an animal, what kind of animal do you think it could be?