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Oceans in 20%

Activity

Illustrating What We Know About Marine Life

Take a piece of paper and divide it into 10 equal squares. Then, choose two of the squares and use these spaces to illustrate the ocean. You can include fish, marine mammals, plants, and lots of water of course. Remember to leave the other 8 squares blank. Your artwork, taking up only 20% of the page, represents our current knowledge of the ocean and marine life.

Science Seed

Oceans cover about 70% of the Earth’s surface, but scientists estimate that over 80% of the ocean remains unexplored and unknown, full of plants, animals, and underwater places we’ve never seen. Even though Perez Elementary is inland near Onion Creek, the water cycle connects us all to the ocean: rain that falls here often eventually flows into streams and rivers that lead to the Gulf of Mexico. Many marine animals, like fish and dolphins, depend on clean water all the way upstream, and some migratory species travel between freshwater and ocean habitats. For example, the Gulf sturgeon is a fish that swims from the Gulf of Mexico up rivers and creeks to spawn, so protecting local waterways near Perez helps support these amazing ocean-to-river travelers.

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earn Badges

Badges can be earned through hands-on experiences within each of the 16 branches of science, or “Science Slices.” You can earn a badge in each branch of science by doing four activities in these categories. We also encourage participants to keep a Nature Journal to record their memories, and to express themselves creatively through writing or drawing after each activity. We recommend that each child (and parent if they’d like) write or draw in a journal after each activity, with expectations of your children that match their age (the goal is self-expression, not perfection).

Explore Perez Elementary School

join Families in Nature

It is our vision to inspire all families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists. Becoming a member of Families in Nature will give your family the opportunity to have adventures in nature, experience field science, develop as youth conservation leaders, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Memberships are free for everyone.

Who are we?

Families in Nature works to create opportunities for nature connection with the purpose of sparking a deep love and desire to protect, conserve and restore the environment. Our mission is to connect children and their families to nature and to each other through time spent learning, playing, and volunteering outdoors. It is our vision to inspire ALL families to fall in love with nature and foster the next generation of conservationists.

Perez Elementary School is named in honor of Lance Cpl. Nicholas S. Perez, who gave his life in service to his country. Perez is a supportive learning community with a focus on service. At Perez, we believe effort creates ability and all students will learn at high standards if they are given clear expectations, taught using best practices adapted to their unique needs and provided extra time and resources as needed. Perez students have numerous opportunities to serve their school, community and environment. They receive powerful instruction in the core curriculum areas, as well as in technology, art, music, physical education, and health.

This project was made possible by The Powell Foundation.