From sea to shining sea.

Deep down in the depths of the sea, beautiful fish, mysterious ocean life, and unusual plants glimmer and glow in the eerie atmosphere of an ever-changing ocean. With this vision and a purpose in mind, three teachers pulled open classroom walls and joined forces so their second graders could create a mammoth 30 x 75" (76 x 190.5 cm) glow-in-the-dark ocean environment.

The three classes worked together as they studied all aspects of the ocean. Combining their efforts, students created a myriad of fluorescent fish, plants, and sea animals using fluorescent paper, paints, and chalk. Classroom walls and windows were covered floor to ceiling with black Kraft paper to block off all natural light and provide a contrasting background for the fluorescent colors. Students taped their artistic creations all over the black walls and soon the wall sections were swimming with aquatic life. Desks, bookcases, and other classroom furniture pieces were stacked together in several sections throughout the open classroom space and covered with crumpled black paper. These stacked areas became coral reefs with interesting hideaway areas around the room. The reefs were highlighted with textured areas of fluorescent paint. Students created sea anemones with painted paper plates and put these along with glowing plants on and around the reefs.

Students made jelly fish from painted paper plates, with long clear plastic streamers attached. Hung from the ceiling with fishing line and black thread, they wafted mysteriously with the help of strategically placed fans. Also hanging from the ceiling were hundreds of three-dimensional, stuffed paper sculpture fish. Huge stuffed paper sharks and a mammoth whale added contrast in scale to the colorful display.

There were many surprises, including an abyss--the deepest, darkest section of an ocean. Another entrancing section was a large glow in the dark pirate's skeleton complete with an abandoned treasure chest full of glowing money and shimmering jewels. Glowing paper seashells sparkled under the black lights and covered the floor of the ocean. Shredded fluorescent paper was used in a variety of ways for imaginative plant life and underwater blooms.

More than a dozen black lights pulled the rooms together. Students were awestruck with their collaboration. As they walked through the ocean environment, beautifully lit by the black lights, "Oooohs" and "Ahhhhs" echoed throughout the room. Hundreds of delighted parents, family, staff, and district educators waited in line to tour the ocean while enjoying the soundtrack from Under the Sea.

NATIONAL STANDARD

Students use different media, techniques, and processes to communicate ideas, experiences, and stories.

WEB LINK

www.teacheerscorner.net/thematicunits/ocean.htm

Beverly Scott is an art teacher at Woodland Hills Elementary School in Lawton, Oklahoma.