Make Your Own Sea Otter

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In this activity about sea otters, learners make their own "otter whiskers" and use them to find objects underwater. Using simple materials, learners construct "whiskers" and locate underwater objects (even with their eyes closed or in the dark) to simulate the otter's ability to "feel its way" through dark or murky water. This resource includes background information about otters.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
5 to 10 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per student
Age Range:
Ages 4 - 11
Resource Types:
Activity, Simulation
Language:
English

Materials List (per student)

  • Two-three twist-ties
  • Four-six pipe cleaners (or pieces of uncooked spaghetti cut in half)
  • Large tray or tub of water
  • Several objects that can be submerged in water, like plastic toys or seashells

Keywords

Subjects

  • Life Sciences
    • Diversity of Life
      • Animals
    • Ecology
      • Human Impact
    • Evolution
      • Mechanisms of Evolution
    • Human Senses and Perception
      • Touch
      • Vision
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations

Informal Categories

  • Animals
  • Nature and Environment

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Source Collection

  • Association of Zoos and Aquariums

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, New England Aquarium, 2011