Purpose of activity: Appreciation of an ocean animal, and a chance to practice craft skills such as cutting and gluing.

Description:  A hand puppet made from fabric 

Target age group:  ages 5-9

Time allowance:  This depends upon how much you have prepared ahead of time, and if you are working with a group.  If the students do all the tracing, cutting, gluing and painting themselves, allow at least 45 minutes.  If you have pieces pre-cut, you can trim down the required time to less than 30 minutes.  You can speed up drying time by using a hairdryer or fan (highly recommended).  You could also divide the project into two shorter work session of 20 minutes each, and have the painting one day, and assembly the next (or vice versa).

Materials you will need: scissors, pencil, white felt, blue and black acrylic (craft) paint, small "pom-poms," fabric glue, and your selection of fabric from which to make the body of the ray (some kind of tan or off-white or mottled fabric that does not fray-- I recommend checking out the upholstery fabrics)