What is the Vampire Squid?

The Vampire Squid is a cephalopod that lives in the midnight zone. It can be found as deep as 3,000 feet below the sea. THAT IS DEEP!

This creature resembles both a squid and an octopus, but it is not either one. It has 8 arms with spines on them and two tentacles (which is what it uses to catch it’s prey). It ranges in color from a light reddish pink to a dark brown/black, depending on where it lives. It’s 8 arms are connected with a skin which is what gives the Vampire Squid its cape-like appearance.

The Vampire squid is about 8 inches long- like the size of a football.

It has fins on the top of its body that resemble ears. These are used to propel themselves through the water.

It is believed that the Vampire Squid feeds primarily on prawns, copepods, cnidarians, and other small invertebrates.

The vampire squid’s body is covered by light producing organs called photophores. It uses these lights to attract prey.

When the Vampire squid is threatened it emits a mucus that glows for several minutes. This in turn confuses the predator and the vampire squid is able to escape.

Because this creature lives so deep below the surface, it is difficult for scientists to study their behavior and mating habits. As more research is done, we will continue to learn more about this fascinating creature.

The Ocean is broken up into 5 basic Zones (or Layers):

1. The Sunlight Zone- up to 200 meters below the surfuace and where most life exists in the Ocean.
2. The Twilight Zone- up to 1000 meters below the surface and much colder temperatures.
3. The Midnight Zone- up to 4000 meters below the surface of the ocean.
4. The Abyssal Zone- up to 6000 meters below the surface.
5. The Trenches- the deepest parts of the ocean. Up to 11000 meters below the surface of the ocean. Here the temperatures are near freezing temperatures.

Easy Vampire Squid Craft

Directions for the Vampire Squid Craft:

Materials:

• empty toilet paper rolls
• hole punch
• red or pink paint (I use washable because it gets messy!)
• paint brush
• newspaper (for the mess)
• red, brown, or pink pipe cleaners cut in half (4 per child- when cut in half, you should have 8)
• Cardstock paper
• googly eyes
• glue
• optional: sharpie

Directions for Vampire Squid Craft:

Step 1: Remove all toilet paper from the toilet paper roll.

Step 2: Punch 8 holes along one side of the toilet paper roll and cut 2 small slits on the opposite side for the fins (that look like “ears”)

Step 3: Using the card stock, cut 2 – 1 inch triangles. These will be for the Vampire Squid’s fins.

Step 4: Lay out paper on your table surface, paint the entire toilet paper roll red, pink, brown, or black. Paint the triangle fins as well. Allow time to dry. While you wait, you can read a book about the Midnight Zone such as:

Step 5: When the paint has dried, add 8 pipe cleaners (4 full size, cut in half). Arrange them in a way that helps the vampire squid to prop up on a table.

Step 6: Add googly eyes or draw with a sharpie.

Step 7: Optional- Take a picture of your child with their Vampire Squid and make a page for your book. (See Making books to learn Post here).

60 Pieces Red Pipe Cleaners, Christmas Craft Pipe Cleaners,Pipe Cleaners Chenille Stem,Pipe Cleaners Bulk,Art Pipe Cleaners for Creative Home Decoration Supplies Arts and Crafts Project

Crayola Washable Paint (12ct), Paint Set for Kids, Nontoxic Paint, Kids Craft Supplies, for Classrooms, Assorted Colors, 16 Oz

Single Hole Punch 1/4” Hole Puncher for Crafts, One Hole Paper Punch with Blue Soft Grip Handle, Small Hole Punch for Kids and Adults

Red Cardstock – 8.5 x 11 inch – 65Lb Cover – 50 Sheets – Clear Path Paper

1210pcs Googly Wiggle Eyes Self Adhesive, for Craft Sticker Multi Sizes 4mm to 25mm for DIY by ZZYI

Finished Product- A Cute and Simple Vampire Squid!

Extending the craft (optional)

You can have your child do more research on the vampire squid and have them do a research report (with your help, of course). They can present their information to a small group or the family. See my animal research template below available for purchase in my store.

Fun Facts about the Vampire Squid:

1. The Vampire Squid lives primarily in the Midnight Zone. This is an area that is lower in oxygen levels, so they have a slow metabolism which allows them to survive.

Watch this close encounter with the Vampire Squid on Nautilus Live:

I have created several Deep Sea Creature Printables for the deep sea creature enthusiast: activities available in my TPT store .

What other deep sea creatures do you like? How did your Vampire Squid turn out?

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What kid (or adult) doesn’t like dinosaurs?

My daughter, who is 8, has been on a continuous dinosaur obsession. She pretends to find fossils, reads any books that she can about dinosaurs, draws them, etc. She asked if we could use one of our dinosaur toys and spray paint it gold and make her an award for being the best dinosaur hunter. We did that (See link), which led us to creating this fun project together. My daughter is a constant source of inspiration for fun and creativity. Here is our super cute dinosaur planter. (And don’t forget to make the trophy later).

Materials:

• Plastic dinosaur toys (From Dollar Tree)
• heavy duty scissors
• cardboard
• Rust-oleum paint in a fun and bright color (from Home Depot) or you can use a paintbrush and acryllic paint
• A well ventilated space
• your favorite small succulent plant (I used clippings from plants in my backyard)
• soil

Step 1. Cut out a small square from the back of your dinosaur.

Step 2. Place the dinosaur on a piece of cardboard in a well ventilated area.

We were on the grass outside. Wait 24 hours to dry. Some parts of our dinosaurs weren’t drying. We realized it was because we used too much paint and it was over 95 degrees outside, I think because it was glossy paint, the heat may have been “melting it”. So we used a paper towel to dab the excess paint off.

Step 3. After your dinosaur is painted and fully dry, add soil to it.

Make sure that you fill it up as much as you can.

Step 4. Add your small clippings of succulents to your dinosaur.

Voila! You are finished!

You can reuse the cardboard to paint a bunch of other plastic dinosaurs and animals, or you can throw the cardboard away.

In the end, this is a fun way to add creativity to your homeschooling day. Let me know how your Dinosaur Planter turned out in the comments below.

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