GIANT WATER BEADS EXCAVATION

Orbeez, or water beads are a lot of fun and are perfect for making super easy sensory excavation experiences. What you may not know is that there are giant water beads that grow the size of a racquetball!

Simply soak these fun super absorbent polymers in water and they grow many times their original size. You can then put them in a tray with some fun toys inside for your young Excavating Adventurer to discover and find.

Materials:

Pack of giant water beads. You can find a container with several hundred giant water beads online for around five bucks and they are worth every penny in my book!

Large bowl

Water

Items to excavate – I like to use themes for Giant Orbeez Excavations. For instance, add a blue bath color tab (I try to avoid food coloring because it can dye skin and cloths) and add little plastic ocean or polar animals to make an ocean or Arctic theme.

If you love water beads and super absorbent polymers, then check out our Excavating Adventures Extreme kit called Exciting Earth. Not only if this kit loaded with 10 unique and hard to find rocks and minerals, but the excavation activity uses super absorbent spheres and giant water beads!

Excavating Adventures Pro Tip: Cut the top off of a 2 liter plastic soda bottle. Use tape around the edges to protect against any cuts or scraps. Fill the bottle with giant water beads and clear water. Do not color the water for this excavation activity. Once the giant water beads have grown to their full size, drain off any excess water. Now reach down into the giant water beads and place excavation items at different levels. Your Excavating Adventurer will not be able to see the items. Encourage them to reach down into the giant water beads to retrieve the items. They will love the strange feeling!

Now for even more fun… Return the excavation items back into the two liter bottle. You still should not be able to easily see the items. Now, carefully pour clear water into the 2 liter bottle. The items will magically appear suspended at different levels in the bottle!

Directions:

1. Feel the bowl with giant water beads. Remember these things are going to get big so do your best to judge the correct amount.
2. Fill the bowl with water. Optional – Add bath color tabs.
3. Wait until the giant water beads have grown to their full size. The packaging will have a general time frame but expect to have to wait about 24 hours.
4. Drain off any excess water.
5. Hide the items in the giant water beads.
6. Let your Excavating Adventurer reach in and start discovering the awesome goodies you have hidden inside.

Excavating Adventures Pro Tip: One of my favorite items to add to an excavation are tumbled gemstones. The smooth surface of tumbled stones lend themselves well to this sensory activity.

Ocean Wonders: Fun Facts about Ocean Mammals and the Influence of Oceans on Geography!

Fun Facts about Ocean Mammals:

1. Dolphins are highly intelligent creatures known for their playful nature and acrobatic skills.

2. Whales are the largest mammals on Earth, with some species reaching lengths of up to 100 feet or more.

3. Sea otters are the only marine mammals known to use tools. They use rocks to crack open shells and eat their favorite snacks.

4. Manatees, also known as sea cows, are gentle herbivores that spend most of their time grazing on seagrasses.

5. Seals and sea lions are excellent swimmers and can often be seen sunbathing on beaches or rocky shores.

6. Penguins are birds that have adapted to life in the ocean. They use their wings as flippers to propel themselves underwater.

7. Walruses have long tusks and use them to haul themselves out of the water onto ice floes.

8. The blue whale, the largest animal ever known to have existed, can produce the loudest sound of any animal, reaching up to 188 decibels.

9. Many ocean mammals, such as whales and dolphins, communicate using a series of clicks, whistles, and songs.

10. The narwhal, a type of whale, has a long, spiraled tusk that can grow up to 10 feet long. It is actually a modified tooth!

The Influence of Oceans on Geography:

1. Oceans cover about 70% of the Earth's surface and have a significant impact on weather patterns and climate.

2. The ocean plays a crucial role in the water cycle, as it evaporates and provides moisture for rainfall.

3. Coastal regions, where the land meets the ocean, are home to diverse ecosystems and support a wide range of plant and animal life.

4. Oceans shape the Earth's geography through processes like erosion, which wears away landforms like cliffs and creates beaches.

5. Ocean currents, such as the Gulf Stream, can transport heat and influence the climate of surrounding areas.

6. Coral reefs, found in tropical oceans, are vibrant underwater ecosystems that provide habitats for numerous species of fish and other marine life.

7. The ocean floor is dotted with underwater mountains called seamounts, which can create unique habitats for deep-sea creatures.

8. Tsunamis, large ocean waves usually caused by undersea earthquakes, can have a significant impact on coastal areas and the geography of nearby land.

So, let's dive into the fascinating world of ocean mammals and explore the powerful influence of the ocean on our planet's geography!

The Giant Water Bead Excavation is a great sensory activity for young Excavating Adventures. Most people know about Orbeez and water beads, but be the first to show your littles ones these giant water beads!

Question 1: Which marine mammal is known for using rocks to crack open shells? A) Dolphins B) Whales C) Sea otters D) Manatees

Correct answer: C) Sea otters

Question 2: What is the largest animal on Earth? A) Blue whale B) Dolphin C) Seal D) Penguin

Correct answer: A) Blue whale

Question 3: What is the role of oceans in the water cycle? A) Oceans provide moisture for rainfall B) Oceans cause droughts C) Oceans create thunderstorms D) Oceans have no impact on the water cycle

Correct answer: A) Oceans provide moisture for rainfall