Ocean Biodiversity Activity Guide
Provided by: The Nature Conservancy|Published on: August 15, 2026|Last updated: September 26, 2026
Grades: K, 1, 2
Type: Activity - Classroom
Subjects: Science
Authors: Nature Lab by The Nature Conservancy
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This activity guide introduces young learners to ocean biodiversity and the wide variety of marine life through three at-home or classroom activities.
- Children invent an imaginative journey through the ocean and the creatures they meet; draw and label marine animals and plants; and listen to and identify ocean sounds.
Teaching Materials
Classroom Implementation:
- The Did You Hear That? activity works well as a small-group listening station or as a whole-class relaxation activity.
- Deep Blue Art activity can be differentiated per class period based on separate ecosystems (e.g., one period focuses on coral reef biodiversity while another does deep-sea creatures); then, students explore each other's work in a gallery walk.
Preparation:
- Gather materials to create art posters (markers, crayons, paint, large sheets of paper).
- Find videos to use for the listening activity, such as this one.
Extensions:
- Have students research one marine animal they drew and share a fact about how it depends on its habitat.
- Use this lesson plan to explore how habitat changes can affect marine animals.
These activities may require additional resources depending on students' knowledge of ocean life.
Teaching Tips
Standards
Resource Type and Format
Scientist Reviewed
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