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Once it's in the environment, marine debris can have significant impacts on wildlife. Some wildlife can get tangled up in debris, while others can accidentally swallow debris. Some debris can also damage habitats or transport non-native species into new areas.
Prevent marine debris from impacting wildlife by creating an ecosystem out of repurposed egg cartons! This fun craft is appropriate for all ages, but will be especially engaging for younger students.
This ecosystem is crafted with a few different creatures and plants, but you and your students can focus on just one or create even more!
Supplies:
- Egg cartons (either plastic or cardboard will work)
- Scissors
- Glue
- Paint & brushes
- Construction paper
- Googly eyes
- Pipe cleaners
- Pom-poms
Steps:
- Cut the egg cartons into pieces. You can cut all kinds of different combinations. One spot for bugs, turtles, and frogs, two spots for ants, and longer ones for caterpillars or worms. I also cut 2x2 squares to make flower blossoms.
- Paint your creatures however you want! Note: Depending on how much paint you use, it may need to dry overnight.
- While the paint dries, cut out construction paper pieces. I made a stem for the flowers, lily pads (not pictured), feet for the frogs, and spots and fins for the turtles. You can also craft tree trunks, grass, water, or whatever else you want in your ecosystem!
- Glue on your googly eyes, pom-poms, fins, or anything else! Note: To make the frogs, I glued two spots together on one edge, making a kind of hinge to open their mouths.
- Cut holes in the top and bottom of the bugs for antennae and legs. Note: If you are using scissors, this should be done by adults. You can also use a hole-puncher.
Set your creatures "free" in a diorama or other model!
