Get ready to embark on an exciting journey to explore the wonders of low tide in Whittier, Alaska with your kids! This three-day adventure is packed with fun activities, crafts, books, videos, podcasts, and TV shows that will teach your little ones all about tides, tide pools, and the amazing marine life that inhabits them.

Day 1: Introduction to Tides and Tide Pools

1. Learning About Tides

• What to Do: Start by explaining the concept of tides in simple terms. Show your kids a globe or map to locate Alaska and point out Whittier.
• Discussion Points: Explain that tides are the rise and fall of sea levels caused by the gravity of the moon and the sun. Talk about high tide and low tide.
• Relevant Podcast: “What’s behind the waves and tides?” by Brains On!

2. Story Time

• Book: Read “Over in the Ocean: In a Coral Reef” by Marianne Berkes.
• What to Discuss: Talk about the different creatures living in the ocean and how they survive in tide pools.

3. Watch a Video

• Video: Watch “What Are Tides?” by Kinemaster on YouTube.
• Activity: After watching, discuss what your kids learned about tides.

4. Craft Time

• Activity: Create a tide pool scene using construction paper, markers, and other craft supplies. Include creatures like starfish, crabs, and sea anemones.
• Supplies Needed: Construction paper, crayons, markers, glue, and scissors.

5. Listen to a Podcast

• Podcast: “Why Is the Ocean Salty?” by But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids.
• Activity: Listen to the episode together and discuss the key points afterward.

6. Homework:

• Activity: Ask your kids to draw a picture of what they think they might see in a tide pool. This will get them excited for the next day’s activities.

Day 2: Preparing for the Tide Pool Exploration

1. Safety First

• Discussion Points: Talk about the importance of safety when exploring tide pools. Discuss wearing appropriate clothing and being careful on slippery rocks.
• What to Wear: Make sure your kids know to wear sturdy shoes and clothes they can get wet or dirty.

2. Show and Tell

• Activity: Show pictures of common tide pool creatures found in Whittier, Alaska, like sea stars, crabs, and mussels.
• Discussion Points: Talk about each creature and what makes it special.

3. Hands-On Practice

• Activity: Practice using magnifying glasses and buckets for tide pool exploration. Explain how to gently handle marine life.
• Supplies Needed: Magnifying glasses, small buckets, and nets.

4. Story Time

• Book: Read “A House for Hermit Crab” by Eric Carle.
• Discussion Points: Discuss the different creatures that live in tide pools and how they find their homes.

5. Watch a TV Show

• TV Show: Watch an episode of “Octonauts” (e.g., “The Octonauts and the Hermit Crabs”).
• Activity: Discuss what the Octonauts discovered in the tide pool and how they helped the marine creatures.

6. Weather and Tide Chart Activity

• Activity: Introduce a simple weather chart and tide chart. Discuss the best times to explore tide pools during low tide.
• Supplies Needed: Chart paper, markers.

Day 3: Tide Pool Exploration Day

1. Field Trip to Whittier

• What to Do: Head to Whittier, Alaska to explore the tide pools during low tide. Make sure to check the tide schedule beforehand.
• Safety Tips: Remind your kids to stay close, be careful on the rocks, and respect the marine life.

2. Exploration Time

• Activity: Let your kids explore the tide pools using their magnifying glasses and buckets. Encourage them to observe and (gently) collect marine life to study before releasing it back.
• What to Bring: Field journals or notebooks, magnifying glasses, small buckets, nets, and snacks.

3. Record Observations

• Activity: Have your kids record their observations in their field journals. They can draw pictures of what they see and write (or dictate) notes about their findings.

4. Post-Trip Discussion

• What to Discuss: Back at home, discuss the trip. Ask your kids what they saw, what they liked best, and any interesting things they learned.

5. Reflection Activity

• Activity: Have your kids draw a picture or write about their favorite part of the trip. Create a display with their drawings and stories.
• Supplies Needed: Paper, crayons, markers.

6. Celebration

• Activity: Celebrate the successful trip with a “marine-themed” snack like fish-shaped crackers. Sing a song about the ocean or tide pools to wrap up the adventure.

Books for the Adventure:

1. “Over in the Ocean: In a Coral Reef” by Marianne Berkes – Link
2. “A House for Hermit Crab” by Eric Carle – Link
3. “The New Beachcomber’s Guide to the Pacific Northwest “ – Link

Podcasts for the Adventure:

1. “Why Is the Ocean Salty?” by Brains On: Science Podcast for Kids
2. “The Surprising Story of Sea Stars” by Tumble Science Podcast for Kids
3. “Twinkles the Seastar” by Deep Blue Sea

TV Shows for the Adventure:

1. Octonauts – [Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Youtube]
   • Episodes to Watch: “The Octonauts and the Hermit Crab” and “The Octonauts and the Snapping Shrimp.”
2. The Magic School Bus – [Where to Watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video]
   • Episodes to Watch: “The Magic School Bus Takes a Dive” and “The Magic School Bus Goes to Mussel Beach.“
3. Blue Planet II – [Where to Watch: Netflix, BBC Earth]

This three-day adventure is designed to be fun and educational, helping your kids learn about tides, tide pools, and marine life through hands-on activities and exploration. By the end of the week, your kids will be excited and well-prepared for their tide pool adventure in Whittier, Alaska. Happy exploring!