Children are natural scientists. They ask big questions, make bold guesses, and explore the world with open hearts and curious minds. At Academia de Mi Abuela (AMA), we believe those early questions about the sky, the sea, and the creatures around us are where a lifelong love of learning begins.
That’s why this month, our students are diving deep into the wonders of ocean science. Through hands-on lessons, art, stories, and play, they explore coral reefs, learn about sea animals, and discover how everyday choices like recycling can help protect our planet.
These activities help build empathy, encourage curiosity, and help children see how their small actions can make a big difference.
Exploring the Wonders of Coral Reefs and Sea Creatures
Science begins with wonder, and there’s nothing more magical than life beneath the sea. Did you know that scientists estimate around 2.2 million species in the ocean? That means we are yet to discover 91% of marine life.
This month, our students are learning about coral reefs, sea turtles, dolphins, jellyfish, and other marine creatures through hands-on, age-appropriate exploration.
Using books, songs, colorful visuals, and bilingual storytelling, our maestras guide children through the vibrant world of coral reefs – what they are, why they matter, and who lives there.
Students paint fish with watercolors, build reefs from recycled materials, and use play-based learning to explore how different creatures move, eat, and protect themselves.
These activities are designed to spark empathy through learning about the ocean world. As children imagine the lives of sea animals, they begin to understand the importance of protecting them. They ask thoughtful questions, share ideas with friends, and start to see their role in caring for the planet.
And when we nurture curiosity in children, we help them grow compassion too.
Learning Ocean Science Through Play Storytelling and Movement
Our students learn about ocean life not only through books and visuals, but through music, movement, dramatic play, and storytelling. Whether they’re pretending to swim like dolphins, sing like whales, dance like jellyfish, or act out the life of a sea turtle, these activities help children connect physically and emotionally to what they’re learning.
During circle time, stories about sea creatures are all about conversation, creativity, and critical thinking. Students might ask, “Why do fish swim in schools?” or “What happens when trash ends up in the ocean?” And that curiosity leads to deeper engagement.
Through art projects, group games, and bilingual songs, students use their bodies, voices, and imaginations to explore big ideas. They’re memorizing facts, practicing teamwork, and forming relationships with the world around them.
And when science feels joyful and meaningful, children carry that curiosity with them for life.
Teaching Responsibility Through Recycling
Even the youngest learners can be stewards of our planet. In fact, our lessons on ocean life naturally flow into conversations about caring for the Earth. Through recycling-focused activities, students begin to understand how their everyday choices, like reusing materials or throwing trash in the right bin, can help protect the sea creatures they’ve grown to love.
We don’t just talk about recycling, we make it real. Children collect classroom materials to reuse in art projects, sort items by type, and create “treasures” from recycled goods. Through songs, visuals, and hands-on sorting games, they learn the basics of reduce, reuse, and recycle in a way that feels fun and empowering.
These small actions plant big seeds. When children see how their efforts matter, they build environmental awareness and a sense of pride and responsibility that will carry with them through life.
Building Skills That Go Beyond the Classroom
Ocean science lessons at AMA help build life skills that shape who our students become.
As children explore coral reefs, sort recyclables, and collaborate on group projects, they’re also developing critical thinking, communication, and teamwork. When they ask questions, share ideas, or solve problems together, they’re learning how to listen, lead, and support one another. These are the skills that will serve them well in elementary school and beyond.
Our ocean science themes are also a gateway to emotional learning. When a child expresses concern for a turtle caught in plastic or celebrates a classmate’s creative reef drawing, they’re practicing empathy and kindness.
These experiences give our students confidence to speak up, to stay curious, and to care deeply about the world around them. Every lesson is a step toward raising thoughtful, responsible, and compassionate global citizens.
How Parents Can Support Science Learning at Home
You don’t need a lab coat to keep the learning going. At AMA, we believe that parents are powerful partners in nurturing curiosity and caring for the natural world.
Here are a few simple ways to support your child’s love for ocean science at home:
- Read ocean-themed books together. Choose bilingual or picture books about sea animals and coral reefs. Talk about what you see and ask open-ended questions like, “Which ocean animal would you like to be?”
- Start a recycling routine. Involve your child in sorting recyclables at home. Let them decorate bins with sea animal drawings to make it fun and meaningful.
- Take a field trip. Visit a local aquarium or nature center to bring ocean life a little closer. Even a walk by the Bay can spark conversations about water, wildlife, and environmental care.
- Watch short educational videos. Choose age-appropriate shows or videos that explain marine ecosystems or the importance of keeping oceans clean.
- Ask big questions. Encourage curiosity by wondering together – Why is the ocean salty? How do fish breathe? What can we do to help sea animals?
Raising Small Scientists with Big Hearts
Ocean science lessons are an invitation to wonder, explore, and care. When children learn about the ocean, they’re building empathy for the world beyond themselves. They’re learning that their actions matter, that their voices can make waves, and that even the smallest hands can help protect something as big as the ocean.
Through joyful, immersive learning, we’re not just teaching science – we’re nurturing a generation of curious, compassionate changemakers.
When children feel connected to the planet, they grow into people who care for it. And that’s the kind of learning that lasts a lifetime.
Adelante, always.
