For our turtle unit I wanted to make some floating turtles to use for our pond sensory bin.  After rummaging through our recycling bins for shells and a trip to the craft store for some floating foam we started making our turtles.

First I gathered all my supplies:

Various bottle tops, green foam, paint pens or sharpie markers, googly eyes, scissors, glue or glue gun, and a pencil

Then I had the kids paint the bottle tops with paint pens and/or permanent markers.

He really enjoyed creating each shell and making a family of very unique turtles.

After we had our shells done I laid them on the foam sheet and traced a turtle body around the top.  Our tops were different sizes and so I had to make the bodies accordingly.  I just made a curvy shape with a head, four legs and a pointed tail.  Then I cut out the bodies (the thicker foam was harder to cut so I had to do it).

Then just glue the tops to the foam with a glue that will not break down in water.  We used a clear tacky glue and it did get a little bit slimy in the water, although the turtles did hold together.  I think a glue gun would work the best. Last we added googly eyes and a smile to make them extra cute!  And there you have it, a fun easy way to make a whole family of floating turtles.

The turtles floating around in their new home. This was my favorite sensory bin ever (and the kids too!)

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