Here’s a fun art project to keep the little ones entertained and occupied during these long summer days – a serene jellyfish of one’s own, floating peacefully in a water bottle.  The activity uses all recycled materials; its a great opportunity to talk with the kids about our oceans, and the havoc that plastic bags and other plastic debris is causing. The organization Plastic Oceans has a ton of information on the subject, if you need a jumping-off point: Plastic Oceans.  The project itself is quite simple, you just need a plastic grocery bag, a water bottle, string, food coloring, and scissors.

Instructions:

1. flatten the bag and cut off the handles and bottom

2.cut along both sides to create two plastic sheets (you will only need one sheet per jellyfish)

3. gather the center of the sheet into a tiny balloon to make the head, and tie with string – leave a tiny hole to pour in water at the end

4. cut 8-10 strips from the edges up to the head to begin the tentacles

5.  cut each tentacle again to make a few small strips, and cut off any remaining parts

6. trim to make longer and shorter tentacles

7. put a little bit of water in the head so that it will sink, but leave air inside to help it float

8. fill up your water bottle, adding a few drops of blue food coloring for effect.

9. insert your jellyfish, screw on the cap, and shake lightly