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Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
A girl making a jellyfish model while looking at a jellyfish photo on a tablet.

Deep Sea Animal Adaptations

July 13-17, 2020

Tomopteridae or gossamer worm
A gossamer worm photographed in the midwater ocean. Copyright 2012 K. J. Osborn, Smithsonian

Dive In!

Join museum experts for a virtual week of ocean explorations that looks at how science and art are interconnected in fun and important ways. Daily live online programs will include demonstrations and conversations with different museum scientists and artists who will explore adaptations of some amazing deep sea animals through puppet making, drawing, dance and more! Each day will also include a self-directed activity that our young explorers can share with friends, family, and even our scientists and other participating explorers.

Who should participate?

We welcome all levels, but programs are recommended for students entering Grades 3-7 in the fall.

Daily schedule includes:

  • Live video webinar from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. EDT
  • Self-directed activity
  • Submission of the participant’s work
Schedule of topics for Deep Sea Adaptations session

Details for each day:

  • Webinar Video: Build a puppet of a deep sea jellyfish and learn about its unique swimming adaptations. Watch a recording of this video webinar.
  • Materials needed: Tape or glue; scissors; container such as a plastic bottle or yogurt cup; string, plastic bag or paper bag.
  • Experts you’ll meet: Marine Biologist Allen Collins, art student Alia Payne, and Ocean Educator Lara Noren
  • Dive deeper at home: Making a Jellyfish Puppet
  • Webinar Video: Learn to draw deep sea fishes with interesting and surprising adaptations. Watch a recording of this video webinar.
  • Materials needed: 8 1/2 x 11" blank paper, pencil, colored pencils, ruler or straight edge
  • Experts you’ll meet: Fish Biologist Kate Bemis, Illustrator Rachel Keeffe, and Ocean Educator Lara Noren
  • Dive deeper at home: Creating a Scientific Illustration
  • Webinar Video: Learn about a unique deep sea worm, the gossamer worm, through dance and movement explorations. Watch a recording of this video webinar.
  • Materials needed: A space that allows you to move freely
  • Experts you’ll meet: Marine Biologist Karen Osborn, dancer Kylie Murray, and Ocean Educator Lara Noren
  • Dive deeper at home: Dance Like a Deep Sea Animal
  • Webinar Video: Join us to learn how people are using art to raise awareness of trash in the ocean. Watch a recording of this video webinar.
  • Materials needed: Find 3 to 5 plastic items in your home that you plan to either recycle or throw away.
  • Experts you’ll meet: Marine Biologist Andrea Quattrini, Marine Debris Artist Bonnie Monteleone, and Ocean Educator Lara Noren
  • Dive Deeper at Home: Build a Sculpture