Science in Pajamas: Paper Plate Octopus

Octopuses are believed to be highly intelligent compared to other invertebrates, with five hundred million neurons in their brains. These cephalopods are known for their rounded bodies, bulging eyes and eight long arms. They are found in all oceans, but are abundant in warm, tropical waters. There are almost 300 different species, with the abilities to camouflage with their surroundings and produce ink to confuse predators from catching them.

This fun craft is great for kids to create their own octopuses, made by Andreja Vucajnk. Check out the links at the bottom for more information about octopuses.

Supplies:

• Paper plate (plain white one or pre-colored one)

• Paint: whatever color you’d like!

• Colored sheet of paper (or plain white paper and have the kids color it)

• White paper

• Scissors

• Glue

• Black marker

Instructions:

Start by coloring the paper plate. While the color dries, we’ll be making tentacles and eyes!

Fold the colored sheet of paper in half – fold that half to half again. Now draw two tentacles on the paper and cut them – this gives you 8 tentacles!

Cut two ovals for eyes, and draw the rest of the eyes with a black marker.

When the color on the paper plate has dried, flip it and start gluing the tentacles. You can go all around (but then this octopus paper plate craft might easily be mistaken for a sun craft) or just have the tentacles on one half like we do.

Now all that is left to do is to glue on the eyes (you could just as easily just draw them directly on the paper plate).

You can also add suckers to the tentacles – draw them, use bubble wrap, buttons, glitter glue, paper circles…

References

Andreja. “Octopus Paper Plate Craft.” Easy Peasy and Fun, 3 May 2015, www.easypeasyandfun.com/octopus-paper-plate-craft/.

“Octopus Facts for Kids.” National Geographic Kids, 30 Mar. 2018, www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/animals/sea-life/octopus-facts/.