Creating a permanent ocean mural as a culminating project will allow students to synthesize more meaning into their learning processes. Also, this activity can be modified for your specific classroom environment as you deem necessary. Have students research underwater ocean life found at the teacher-decided ocean location. Students may work independently or in groups. Each student should decide on a particular animal or plant life found in that underwater location.
Some students can research the underwater structure.
Color can be added onto the paper with markers or tempera paint. For larger classes, it may be easier for students to create ocean life on separate sheets of paper, then cut them out and attach it to the painted mural background. For above average students with an artistic background, ask the Principal if the students can create a permanent mural on the school wall for the ocean scene. Some of the ocean life can be created three dimensionally using newspaper, string, or foam, so that some of the features extend off the mural background. Choose a bulletin board or wall space to attach the mural background to.