During this summer's Eco Wednesday, our little explorers had the opportunity to discover the fascinating world hidden beneath the sea's surface. Through games, exploration and creative activities, they learned more about shells, marine animals and the various elements that make up the marine ecosystem.

We began by discussing what they already knew about the sea, asking questions about shells, marine animals, Posidonia and their habitats. Our first activity was Find a pair of shells!, a simple memory game in which the children worked in small groups and searched for pairs of eight different types of shells.

Then it was time to get moving with the game. Move like a sea creature!The children became fish, crabs, octopuses, sea turtles and dolphins, imitating the way each animal moves. In our third activity, we explored a small model. seabed, filled with stones, shells and Posidonia. 

In activity May I take this? The children had to pull one item out of the box and decide whether it was okay to take it or if they should leave it in the sea. By finding empty shells, shells still inhabited by creatures, stones, Posidonia and rubbish, they learned that not everything we find in nature belongs to us. Some things are homes or important parts of the ecosystem and should remain in the sea.

In the end, the children used their creativity to make their own. picture frames with sea animalsUsing cardboard, empty shells, stones, Posidonia and other recycled materials, they decorated the frame for the sea creature and created a small display of its underwater home.

Through all these activities, the children discovered that the sea is much more than just water. Everything is interconnected and plays an important role in the ecosystem.

Most importantly, they learnt that protecting the sea can begin with something as simple as observing, respecting and leaving nature where it belongs.