The Science of Rock Pools!
Rock pools are fascinating! They’re like tiny underwater worlds filled with amazing creatures, and they change all the time.
Why do rock pools exist?
Rock pools form in dips and cracks in rocks along the shore. When the tide comes in, seawater covers everything. But when the tide goes out, some water stays behind in these little pools—creating a special home for sea creatures!
Who lives there?
Lots of animals and plants call rock pools home, like:
• Crabs – They scuttle around, hiding under rocks. Some are tiny, some are big!
• Anemones – These look like underwater flowers, but are actually animals that wave their tentacles to catch food.
• Starfish – They have five (or more!) arms and can even grow new ones if they lose one.
• Seaweed – It’s like the forest of the rock pool, giving food and shelter to small creatures.
How do the creatures survive?
Life in a rock pool is tough! The water can get warmer or colder depending on the weather, and it can even dry up a little. Some creatures, like limpets, have special shells that trap water inside, so they don’t dry out. Others, like crabs, hide under rocks to stay cool.
Here are some fun, hands-on activities to help kids explore rock pools while being kind to nature:
1. Rock Pool Bingo
What you need: A simple bingo sheet with pictures of common rock pool creatures (crabs, seaweed, shells, barnacles, anemones, etc.).
How to play: Kids tick off what they spot in the rock pools. The first to get a full row wins!
2. Mini Marine Scientists
What you need: A magnifying glass, a small notepad, and pencils.
How to play: Encourage kids to observe closely—how do crabs move? What colors are the shells? They can draw what they see and make notes like real scientists.
3. Create a Temporary Touch Tank
What you need: A shallow bucket filled with seawater (no fresh water!) and a soft brush.
How to play: Carefully scoop up water and a few small creatures (like seaweed, shells, or a tiny crab) to observe up close. After a few minutes, gently return everything to where you found it.
4. Nature’s Art Station
What you need: Paper, crayons, or wax pastels.
How to play: Kids can take rubbings of shells, rocks, or seaweed textures by placing paper over them and rubbing gently with a crayon.
5. “Who Lives Here?” Storytime
What you need: Just your imagination!
How to play: Pick a rock pool and ask, If this was a tiny town, who would be the mayor? Who would be the fastest runner? Encourage kids to make up little stories about the creatures they find.
6. Tidal Time-Lapse
What you need: A camera or notebook.
How to play: Visit the same rock pool at different times—when the tide is in and out. What’s different? What creatures disappear or stay behind?
Our Amazing Home
One of the many great things about our playgroup location, is that it sits right next to Shelly Beach, which is home to THOUSANDS of rock pools just waiting to be explored.
Join us for a Friday morning playabout, then become a marine biologist for a day!
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Want to keep clothes dry while exploring rock pools?
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