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Creating a scene that can fit in a shoebox is a really fun idea. There are many scenes you can put together in an afternoon – and the good news is you probably have everything you need to get the project done. It's fun to watch your child's imagination come to life right in front of your very eyes!

What You’ll Need

shoebox with lid
scissors or craft knife
sand or aluminum foil
toy fish
seashells
construction paper
glue
blue cellophane or clear plastic sheet
markers
tape

Instructions

1. Cut a rectangular hole on the top of the shoebox lid. Cover the rest of the lid and the shoebox with aluminum foil or construction paper in the desired color.

2. Cut the blue cellophane or clear plastic sheet so that it is slightly larger than the hole on the shoebox lid. If using clear plastic sheet, color the entire sheet blue using a marker. Tape the plastic sheet from behind the shoebox lid.

*If you have colored a sheet, make sure it’s dry before you move it around too much, the marker may rub off on you or your clothes.

3. Set up your aquarium scene. Turn the shoebox on one long side. Glue sand onto the seabed. If you don't have sand, use a piece of crumpled aluminum foil instead. Glue toy fish on the side of the shoebox so that they'll look like they're swimming. If you don't have toy fish, cut fish out of construction paper. Be sure you cut out various types of fish as well as other sea creatures.

3. Cut seaweeds out of construction paper. Glue to the shoebox as well. There are many types of plants that grow along the bottom of the ocean, don’t forget them as well! Let your child use their imagination to cut shapes out that they want to represent the plants.

4. Add seashells on the seabed, if you have them. If you don’t want to use shells you have collected from the beach, you can buy shells at any craft store.

5. Cover the aquarium with the lid and put it on display!

As you have your aquarium on display, be careful when it is looked at or played with as you don’t want to have a piece fall off. These items are great for kids to put together when working on a science project or a theme as they can learn more about the subject they are studying.

Submitted by Leximom