We are currently in the middle of an Ocean-themed unit study in our Montessori co-op. There are so many great things to learn about in the Ocean, but one thing we have focused on is the layers or zones of the oceans. These zones of the ocean sensory bottles have been wonderful for doing just that!
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To help make the zones as concrete as possible, we're using these small sensory bottles and printables. These are an easy DIY and the kids have loved them.
Ocean Zone Bottles DIY for Kids
- Water
- Blue Food Coloring
- 5 Small bottles {ours are from a craft store but any bottle will work}
- Printable
You'll need 5 shades from no color to very dark (not see through). I just experimented based on the size of my bottles with how much color I would need. The bottle with no color {only different for me because those are the bottles I had on hand} represents the top Sunlight zone. And the darker the bottle, the deeper the zone.
The bottles can then be paired with the name of the zone they represent and a description of that zone. We started with just the name, but Henry caught on so quickly that I will now add the descriptions to this work. You can find the names and descriptions in the printable!
I also included five circles in varying shades that could be substituted for the bottles if necessary in the printable!
And, that's it! Its an easy, fun, hands-on, Montessori-inspired way of introducing the Ocean to toddlers and preschoolers!
