Building an Ocean Zones Jar

SciShow Kids

Join Jessi and Squeaks from SciShow Kids for a hands-on STEAM project that visualizes the layers of the ocean. This video guides students through creating an "Ocean in a Jar" model, using different shades of blue paper to represent the Sunlight, Twilight, and Midnight zones. As they build, students learn why the ocean gets darker and colder the deeper you go and discover the unique animals that inhabit each layer. The video breaks down complex marine biology concepts into simple, understandable segments. It explores the three primary ocean zones, explaining how light penetration affects plant growth and animal adaptations. From sea turtles in the sunny shallows to bioluminescent creatures in the dark depths, the content covers biodiversity and environmental characteristics like water pressure. This resource is an excellent tool for combining art and science in the classroom. It provides a concrete visualization of abstract concepts like depth and pressure, making it easier for young learners to grasp how marine habitats change from the surface to the seafloor. Teachers can use this video as a step-by-step guide for a class project or as an engaging introduction to units on oceanography, habitats, or animal adaptations.