Ocean Layers and Coral Reefs

LOve this project! - and I have done variations of this in classes from Grade 2 to Grade 6 and it fits in beautifully with Water, Oceans, Animal or Environmental themes. It is also a great way to look at tones and shades and introduce working with mixed media.

We always start with looking at the different layers of the ocean and how the colour changes depending on the depth of the water. Students paint the layers with blue ink - they have to work on diluting the ink to change the colour for each layer.

We then look at the earth and soil around the water. Students use 'earthy' coloured oil pastels to colour.

We then use a pencil to draw on some 'coral' and then use pva glue to stick on grains of uncooked rice.

..and then painted the coral with bright acrylic paint...

...and final touches - added a bit of glitter, an ocean animal and some clouds...