So what is a cnidarian? How about an echinoderm? Any volunteers for molluscs? This year we have been studying animals for science, starting with mammals then birds and so forth. Last week saw us learning some fascinating detail about shells, starfish, sea anemones, coral, sponges, sea cucumbers and other interesting marines creatures.
While we were visiting my parents-in-love on Sunday I went to a local beach for an hour or so in search of some fresh air and sea life. All six girls were eager to come with me.
With cameras and plastic bags we set off on our adventure.
The rock pools yielded many treasures for those knew what to look for.
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| Sea urchin hiding between rocks |
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| First starfish found, still under water. |
We were all amazed at how stiff these little starfish are, something we would never have known without holding one.
Check out their magnificent underside! The hole in the middle is their mouth. Let me quote to you from our science text (God's Design for Life: The World of Animals p117).
"Starfish eat clams and oysters. A starfish will use its legs to pry open a clam shell.
It only needs to open the shell a little bit. Then it sticks its stomach out through its mouth
and into the shell. It can then digest the clam while it is still in its shell."
As you can imagine the children thought this was pretty amazing.
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| Back into the water where they belong |
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| Sea slug |
We had a wonderful time, heading home with a treasure trove of seaside beauties. The very next day we had the pleasure of exploring another nearby beach, finding even more starfish and enjoying lovely blue skies and even a bit if whale watching.
Sharing at Wordless Wednesday, But With Words, Project Alicia, In The Studio
and Photo Story Friday.
what a great science lesson!!!
ReplyDeleteWow. what a great collection of amazing photos. Thanks for sharing them with us! LG Tina
ReplyDeleteTerrific series of photos! I love all the little discoveries. And I am fascinated by the sea slug. Never even heard of one before.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos. Isn't photo #5 a sea urchin?
ReplyDeleteEditrix, I do believe you are right, thank you - I have corrected my caption.
ReplyDeleteHello!
ReplyDeleteI'm visiting from Missing Moments. These photos are wonderful! What a wonderful science lesson. If I had science classrooms like this when I was a child, I probably would have enjoyed the subject much more!
Love the photo of (you?) holding the baby. This is my favorite. :)
ReplyDeleteVery nice pictures and impressions from the sea. I love the starfishes and the children very well.
ReplyDeleteNancy, this is Elise, my eldest carrying Miss E our youngest. Elise is beautiful in every way. She has been blogging for years - very different to my blog: http://ribbonsoflight.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteYour photos are amazing!
ReplyDeleteWundervolle Fotos, sehr schöne Musik.
ReplyDeleteGLG Marianne ♥
Beatiful pictures and amazing collection.
ReplyDeleteI love the picture with the baby:)
LOVE those starfish! And I especially love the "back into the water where they belong" photo - it's beautiful!
ReplyDeleteA really nice collection of photos. Your children will learn a lot through all their senses.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful beautiful photos . Your blessed and I think you know . Walk in his grace.
ReplyDeleteThese are some stunning photos! I wish we had a classroom like this (nearby) to teach our children in. Gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos!! Did you like this curriculum? I'm looking for a science curriculum my boys would enjoy. This sounds interesting. When you get a chance, could you let me know the pros and cons of it? Thanks so much :)
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Marcia
Thank you for all your wonderful comments. I was surprised at how many treasures we found too. It certainly was a fun way to reinforce our book learning.
ReplyDeleteWalking in His grace.
Wow .... they are fabulous photos and would look great on a canvas. We live in coastal Australia.....so nice to meet you :)
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you had a wonderful time, and what beautiful "finds!"
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos! So many wonderful memories...
ReplyDeleteBeautiful images of the starfish.
ReplyDeleteSome great photos in this set. I didn't know that about starfish, and I''m with the kids - I think that's pretty amazing too!
ReplyDeleteAll your photos are a joy for the eyes, but I must say my most favorite is the one of Elise carrying her sister. That picture speaks volumes to my soul.
ReplyDeletewhat an adventure. A day that probaly been etched into the girls minds. Wonderful! And so close to the city. Not bad.
ReplyDeleteExtremely cool pictures, what a wonderful experience for you and your girls:)!
ReplyDeleteBeth
What amazing photos, all are just spectacular. Love, love, love the sea slug.
ReplyDeleteThis is fascinating! It must be wonderful growing up in your family science classroom. I also think it's really beautiful on that beach.
ReplyDeletevisiting from Studio sneak peak. What a great learning experience! I just LOVE the variety of shells and beautiful things you were able to collect. So different from our Florida treasures.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness... that is so neat and interesting! What wonderful explorations! Such a great way to learn. Beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing with us! :)
ReplyDeleteWe just wrapped up our studies of ocean creatures in our homeschool so your discoveries are so familiar to me! Lovely photos and beautiful girls. Wow-SIX!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos of starfish!
ReplyDeleteComing in from Studio JRU...we homeschool too - I'm not sure where we are going in science yet this year, but you have inspired me for field trips!
Blessings...