Creating a cardboard coral craft can be an engaging summer project and educational activity for kids!
It’s a hands-on way to learn about marine life and the importance of coral reefs while recycling old cardboard boxes into a fun craft. Through crafting, children can explore different ocean creatures, colors, and textures, making the learning experience more engaging.
It also opens up conversations about environmental awareness, teaching kids how reefs are threatened and what we can do to help.
Why are coral reefs important for the environment?
Despite covering less than one percent of the ocean, coral reefs serve as a vital home for nearly a quarter of all marine species.
These underwater ecosystems shelter millions of fish, clams, starfish, squid, seahorses, sea turtles, and countless other creatures.
Unfortunately, climate change, pollution, and human activities threaten these vital ecosystems. Conservation efforts, such as reducing carbon emissions and protecting reef habitats, are essential to ensure their survival.
Crafting a coral reef project with your kids can be a wonderful way to explore their importance while also discussing ways to help protect them for future generations!
What materials do I need for this craft?
The craft only requires a few supplies: cardboard boxes, paint, googly eyes, plastic plants for decoration, a plastic container, and clay.
Depending on the size of the boxes, how big you would like your coral reef to be, and the number of kids you’re crafting with, you may need one or more boxes.
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How can I cut out the cardboard?
I used scissors and a craft knife to cut out the fish, octopus, and jellyfish. I discovered this cordless cardboard cutter only afterwards, and I used it for several other cardboard projects – it’s such an easy tool to use. Even my kids love it! Safe and fast.
The coral is made up of cardboard scraps glued together.
How long does it take to make this craft?
I made this craft as part of a summer camp last year. We dedicated half a day to creating it. Because it involves painting, you need to find some small activities to keep kids busy while waiting for the paint to dry out.
I had all the cardboard pieces cut out for the kids. Their job was to paint, glue together, and assemble. It took us three hours in total.
If you want to spend less time, you can give kids markers instead of paint.
Cardboard coral craft
Supplies:
- Cardboard box
- Paint
- Googly eyes
- Marker
- Paint brush
- Scissors/Craft knife/Cardboard cutter
- Hot glue gun with hot glue sticks
- Plastic plants
- Plastic container
- Air-dry clay
We used cardboard scraps glued together to form the coral reef. Make sure you make it balanced so it can stand up and not tilt on one side or another.
Paint the coral reef. Use one or more green hues.
Draw fish, octopus and jellyfish onto the cardboard box and cut them out using a cordless cardboard cutter or scissors. Paint your ocean animals.
Add googly eyes to your ocean animals and use a black marker to draw smiles.
Glue the ocean animals onto the coral reef.
Place the coral reef in the middle of a plastic container, and put clay all around until the coral stands on its own.
Decorate with plastic greenery.
Because it takes 24 hours for the air-dry clay to harden, make sure to leave the coral in one spot until the next day.