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Quick & Fun Dolphin Lesson and Craft
Here is a little lesson to teach your kids some fun facts about dolphins. When the lesson is over, make this dolphin suncatcher craft that they can hang in their window.
Fun Facts About Dolphins
Fact One
Dolphins are faster than sharks. Sharks swim at a rate of 50 kilometers per hour. Dolphins swim at a rate of 60 kilometers per hour. Dolphins have the advantage because their body is not as stiff as that of a shark, so it is can move more quickly. Dolphins also have a horizontal tail which allows them to change their direction faster, making them more agile than the shark who has a vertical design.
Fact Two
Dolphins live in groups called pods. Dolphin pods can be as few as 5 or as many as 30. The dolphins in a pod look out for each other. For example, if one of them is hurt, the others work together to push it to the surface for air. Each pod has its own dialect which helps them to identify one another.
Fact Three
When a dolphin sleeps, only half of its brain goes to sleep at a time. This is a safety feature as it allows the dolphin to rest while also keeping an eye out for predators. Dolphins don’t go to bed like we do but instead they take several short naps.
Fact Four
Dolphins are born with a single set of teeth. If they lose a tooth, a new one will not grow back. Every year the dolphin will develop a new layer of dental material on its teeth. Much like the rings of a tree, these teeth layers can be used in identifying the age of a dolphin.
Fact Five
Dolphins do not drink seawater. They prevent dehydration by obtaining water from the foods they eat. Just like humans, if the dolphins drank seawater, they would become dehydrated.
Dolphin Suncatcher Craft
Here’s a quick and easy craft to do with your kids after the dolphin lesson.
You will need ...
- Blue Cardstock
- Dolphin template (I just printed one up online)
- Crepe Paper or Tissue Paper in various blue colors
- Contact Paper
- Scissors
- Pencil
- Double Stick Tape
Step One
Cut out the dolphin templates. Set them aside.
Step Two
Draw a large circle on the blue cardstock. I used a bowl as a guide. Then, draw another circle inside the larger one making sure it is at least a quarter of an inch smaller or more.
Step Three
Cut out the circle. Then, fold the circle gently and make a tiny snip to insert the scissors. Carefully cut out the center circle being sure to keep it in tact as much as possible so you can use the paper later.
Step Four
Then, take the dolphin template and the inner circle of blue cardstock and trace the dolphins onto the cardstock. Then cut them out and set them aside.
Step Five
Next, take the contact paper and unroll enough to match a little larger space than your circle. Place whatever you used to make the circle onto the contact paper to measure. Trim off that piece of contact paper. Then, cut two pieces that match. So, if you used a bowl to measure the large circle and that bowl is 10" across, then cut two square pieces of contact paper that are about 12" by 12".
Step Six
Then, cut your tissue paper or crepe paper into small square pieces. The pieces do not need to be exact and do not need to match. Set them aside.
Step Seven
Since the contact paper likes to roll itself back up, I used some painters tape (you could also use some masking tape) to stick it to the table. Place the piece of contact paper on the table with the sticky side up (once you remove the paper backing).
Step Eight
Center the cardstock ring onto the sticky side of the contact paper. Then, cover the sticky side with the pieces of blue tissue paper. Encourage the kids to place them in all different directions so it creates a fun mix up of colors and shapes.
Step Nine
Use a bit of double stick tape (or a dot of glue if you don't have double stick tape) and stick the cardstock dolphin(s) onto the tissue paper pieces.
Step Ten
Take the second piece of contact paper and lay it sticky side down onto the dolphins. I advised the kids to let it touch in the center first, then work its way outwards. Then, smooth it out and be sure that all areas are stuck. Finally, use your scissors to trim off the excess contact paper around the outer edge of the cardstock ring.
Ta-Da!
Then, just place a piece of double stick tape on the back and stick it up on your window. And there you have a dolphin suncatcher! When everyone goes to admire it, your kids can also tell them a few facts about dolphins.