Antarctica Sensory Bin
Ever wonder what it might be like to explore the icy world of Antarctica? Then, this Antarctica Sensory Bin offers kids an exciting way to experience this frozen landscape.
Take a look at this list of fun Winter Activities for Kids for more fun this season!
With materials that mimic snow, ice, and even little penguins, this sensory bin practices hands-on learning, letting kids imagine the chilly habitats of Antarctic animals.
Kids will not only engage their senses with this sensory bin but also gain a fun introduction to concepts like climate and survival in cold environments. This easy-to-create activity is a wonderful way to play while learning about one of Earth’s most fascinating places!
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Fun Antarctica Facts
Antarctica is an incredible place, full of surprising features and facts that make it unlike anywhere else on Earth. It’s a place that plays an important role in the balance of our planet, and learning about it can make the world we live in a bit more interesting.
- No Residents – There are no permanent human residents in Antarctica. Only scientists stay there for research purposes, living in special stations to study climate, animals, and more.
- Fresh? – About 70% of the world’s freshwater is locked up in Antarctica’s ice sheets. That’s a lot of water!
- Barren Land – There are no trees or flowers in Antarctica, but many types of moss and algae can grow. The land is mostly covered by ice, and it’s mostly empty of life compared to other continents!
Why is it important to study Antarctica?
Antarctica is really important for the Earth’s climate. Its ice helps keep temperatures stable around the world. If the ice melts too fast, it could cause sea levels to rise, which would affect places where people live. That’s why taking care of Antarctica matters for everyone.
It’s also important for scientists who study the planet. They do research in Antarctica to understand weather, and climate change, and even find new medicines. Teaching kids about Antarctica can help them learn how every part of the world is connected and why we need to protect it.
Benefits of sensory play for kids
This sensory play is a great way for kids to work on fine motor skills as they scoop, pick up, and move Antarctica-themed objects around in the bin. Kids love scooping up the icy rice or picking up the tiny penguins, and it’s amazing to see them strengthening their hands and fingers, too.
On top of that, it sparks their imagination. My kids get creative with the penguins and build their own little Antarctica habitats, learning about the environment and the animals that live there as they play. It’s a hands-on way of learning and playing in one simple activity!
Recommended Antarctica Books
These books are a perfect way to bring the wonders of Antarctica right into your cozy reading nook. Each one is filled with stories and facts about penguins and icy landscapes. They’re fun to read and are sure to make kids curious about the South Pole’s incredible world!
The Penguin who went to ANTARCTICA!: An Animal Rescue book for KIDS (Pip and Noah 11)Tacky the PenguinSpike: The Penguin With Rainbow Hair (Ocean Tales Children’s Books)AntarcticaPerla’s Guide to Life in Antarctica: (Educational Children’s book, Fun Action and Adventure, Pre school ages 3 – 5)Ten Animals in Antarctica: A Counting Book
Antarctica Activity Supplies
Check out the list of supplies for this exciting sensory bin activity that takes you to Antarctica:
- Blue colored rice
- White Styrofoam
- Clear Gems
- Cotton Balls
- Tray
Recommended Polar Animal Toys
Toys make exploring the cold places of the earth, with the sensory bin, a lot more fun! With adorable penguins, snowy landscapes, and even arctic sets, these polar animal toys encourage kids to get right into imaginative play while learning about life on the coldest continent!
FeelWarm 9Pcs Polar Animals Lacing Cards Toy, Bear Arctic Fox Lace & Trace Sewing Threading Board Activity Games with Case Developing Imagination Art Craft Making Kit Supplies for Toddlers KidsWATINC 46Pcs Polar Animals Felt Board Story Set Arctic Antarctica Ocean Animal Bear Penguin Whale Preschool Large Wall Storyboard Early Learning Play Kit Hanging Gift for Toddlers Kids 41 x 30 InchLarsen Puzzles Arctic Ice 75 Piece Children’s Jigsaw PuzzleLearning Resources Sort & Seek Polar Animals, Toddler Activities, Educational Toy Set Color, Teaching Toys, 15 Pieces, Age 18 Months+ Gifts for Boys and GirlsHape Polar Animal Tactile Puzzle Game, Multicolor, 5” x 2”MAGNA-TILES Arctic Animals 25-Piece Magnetic Construction Set, The ORIGINAL Magnetic Building Brand
How to make this Antarctic sensory project
Setting up our Antarctica sensory bin together with my kids was like stepping into a whole new icy world right in our living room!
We started with the blue-colored rice, which instantly added that cold, ocean-like base. My little ones helped sprinkle it across the bin, creating a calm, blue “sea.” They were mesmerized by how the blue popped against the bin, already imagining it as the chilly Antarctic waters. Watching them so captivated made this start extra special.
Once we had our “sea,” we moved on to the white Styrofoam chunks. These became our floating “icebergs,” and my kids were eager to arrange them around the bin. They piled the pieces high in some areas and spread them out in others, coming up with little stories about animals that could live on each one.
I loved watching them problem-solve as they carefully placed each piece, testing how they could create bigger “floes” and add to their imaginary polar landscape.
After that, we sprinkled in the clear gems, which quickly became “ice crystals” buried under snow. They had such fun hiding the gems, only to dig them up like tiny treasures.
To complete the scene, we added fluffy cotton balls as “snow.” They took turns moving the cotton balls around, creating drifts and little snow piles.
Setting up the bin was so much fun! The little while it took us to set it up was such a precious moment that I won’t forget.
More Antarctic Activities
Explore the wonders of Antarctica with hands-on activities that bring the icy continent to life! These are perfect for adding a little chill to learning, covering fascinating aspects of Antarctic wildlife, landscapes, and climate. Great for keeping kids entertained and curious about a part of the world they don’t often see.
- Antarctica Preschool Activities
- Arctic Animals Addition Cards
- Arctic Animal Activities for First Grade
- Antarctic Animals Worksheets
- Antarctica Worksheets
- Penguin Shape Craft by Simple Everyday Mom
- Felt Penguin Craft by Darcy and Brian
Antarctica Sensory Bin
This sensory bin is an exciting way to let the kids experience the icy world of Antarctica right from home. Filled with arctic animals and cool textures, it’s perfect for hands-on exploration and play, bringing the wonders of the frozen continent to life!
Materials
- Blue colored rice
- White Styrofoam
- Clear Gems
- Cotton Balls
- Tray
Instructions
- Fill the sensory bin with blue-colored rice to create the base.
- Add chunks of white Styrofoam to represent floating icebergs.
- Scatter clear gems throughout the rice for hidden treasures.
- Place cotton balls in the bin to form snowy drifts.
Recommended Products
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This bin brings the wonders of Antarctica right into playtime, giving kids a chance to explore, imagine, and learn about the coldest place on Earth in an exciting way. Perfect for adding a unique, wintery touch to indoor play.