Did you know that the ocean is made up of different zones? Each zone has it’s own characteristics where different creatures live. Use these ocean zones worksheets for kids to show the different zones and the animals that live in them. And for more learning fun, check out these Ocean Worksheets you don’t want to miss!
Recommended Worksheet Supplies
- Printer (I love my printer, I use this one!)
- Paper
- Scissors
- Glue stick
- Pencil
Epipelagic Zone
Also known as the sunlight zones, this region has the most light and heat, it goes from the surface to 650 ft. Photosynthesis occurs in this layer and it’s where you’ll find coral reefs.
Mesopelagic Zone
From 656 to 3200 ft, you have the twilight zone some jellyfish, squid and octopuses live in this zone where there is only dim light. There are no plants in this zone.
Bathypelagic Zone
From 3200 to 13,100 ft, the midnight zone is filled with animals with no eyes because they are not needed in the dark but have big mouths and sharp teeth in order to eat anything they may find.
They rely of food and nutrients falling from the upper zones.
Abyssopelagic Zone
At depths up 19,700 ft you’ll find that it is very cold and dark with great pressure near 11,000 sq ft. Many of the fish and squid are bioluminescent meaning they can make light with their own bodies’ chemical reactions.
Hadalpelagic
Few animals live in these trenches and canyons like sponges, sea cucumbers and tubeworms which rely solely on dead or decaying material that falls from the above zones.
Try these fun ocean activities for kids to extend their learning.
Recommended Ocean Books for Kids
There are a ton of really great ocean encyclopedias, they contain amazing pictures of those weird sea creatures. Pair that with a great sea story and you’ll have an ocean lover in no time.
Ocean: A Visual EncyclopediaThe Big Book of the Blue
Over in the Ocean: In a Coral Reef
Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist
Save the Ocean
The Magic School Bus on the Ocean Floor
Recommended Ocean Toys
For more ocean fun, try one of these fun ocean toys and even grab some toys to make your own sensory ocean bin.
Safari Ltd Ocean TOOB Comes With 12 Different Hand Painted Animal Toy Figurine Models Including Sea Lion, Eagle Ray, Starfish, Turtle, Penguin, Octopus, Humpback Whale, Sperm Whale, Moray Eel, Hammerhead Shark, Tiger Shark, and Dolphin For Ages 5 and UpShark Toys Figures,Large Ocean Animals Toys,Realistic Design Shark Replica
MONILON Water Beads, 24 Pcs Ocean Sea Animals Tactile Sensory Play Kids Toys for Boys Girls, Water Gel Soft Beads Growing Jelly Balls for Spa Refill, Pool & Decor-Inflatable Water Mat Include
PLAYMOBIL Aquarium Building Set
NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC Ultimate Ocean Play Sand – 2 LBS of Sand, 6 Molds, 6 Figures and Activity Tray
CubicFun-National Geographic Ocean Puzzle Educational Toys with Bookelts,Undersea Adventure DS0974h
Download the Worksheets here:
See the other activities in my 10 days of Biology Worksheets for Elementary Students series.
Lauren says
Thank you so much, Monique! I love your science resources. You have the best worksheets on life cycles, and your series on biology this week has been great! I just wish I’d seen this resource when my sons and I covered the ocean zones this past school year. But I’m saving it for the next time we cover it. Thanks again!
Monique says
You’re welcome!
Suchi Carlisle says
Hi Monique!
I just stumbled across your printable and have put it to good use with my ocean loving 4 year old-Kyren. I was hoping I could tag you on Instagram where I have posted a few pics of the activity. Please let me know if you have an Insta handle. Thank you so much for these well thought out printables♡
Monique says
Sure, my Instagram handle is @Moniquedesigns