Some of the largest and most fascinating creatures of the deep ocean, giant squid have been known to grow to an awesome 14 metres long. This fun activity requires just a few common craft and household items and is suitable for young children, although adult supervision and assistance will be required with the cutting and taping. We decided to paint our squid pink, as this appears to be fairly close to its natural colour. However, use whatever colours inspire you.
We also chose to use recycled bubble wrap for our squids, as it's translucence and bubbly appearance is perfect for their arms and tentacles, which in real life are lined with hundreds of suction caps.
Please note, the wobbly eyes may pose a choking hazard for very young children. An alternative could be to draw and cut out your own from cardboard.
Time: 90 minutes, including time for the paint to dry thoroughly.
Age: Under 5's, 5-10's
Materials
Large pieces of bubble wrap
2 large wobbly eyes (or draw and cut out your own from cardboard)
Using paper masking tape, attach the paper cup to the back of an upturned dinner-sized paper plate to create the squid's head.
Paint the attached plate and cup (but not the inside), and put it aside to dry.
While the paint dries, cut the bubble-wrap into eight longish strips about 4 or 5 centimetres wide.
When the paint has dried, turn the plate (with cup attached) upside down and sticky-tape the bubble-wrap strips to its unpainted inside.
Turning it around the right way up, glue the large wobbly eyes onto your squid's face. He (or she) is now complete.
