Bluebottles on the sand
Here you can learn how to make your very own bluebottles on the sand and learn and discover lots of amazing facts about bluebottles and the importance of beach safety signs.
If you live on the east coast of Australia you have most likely come across a bluebottle. The bluebottle is a common visitor to our beaches in the summer months. Winds can blow the bluebottles in towards the beach and they end up out on the sand and in the shallow waters.
Create bluebottles on the sand with Acacia.
In this activity children can make their very own paper bluebottles and beach safety signs. They will learn about bluebottles and how to keep themselves safe.
What you will need...
- Scissors (Make sure you have an adult to help you)
- Blue paper (for the tentatcles)
- Yellow paper (for the sign)
- Glue
- Paddle pop sticks
- Cupcake cases (for the bluebottle bodies)
- Sand
- Egg carton container
- Glitter (optional)
- Pencils or textas
Fun facts about bluebottles
- Bluebottles are also know by another name, the Portugeuese Man-of-War.
- Bluebottles are not one single animal but they are four animals working togther and helping each other to survive.
- The bluebottle has a part called the float which sticks out of the water like a sail on a ship - the wind then blows the bluebottle moving it along the water.
Reading the signs...
When you go to the beach, it's important to read the signs. Lifesavers will place signs out on the beach to warn visitors of any dangers on that day. These signs including a bluebottle sign. When you see this sign, you will know that there are bluebottles in the shallow waters and if you go in you might get stung.
Bluebottle stings
If you get stung by a bluebottle the best treatment is very warm water. If you don't have any warm water available then cold water and an ice pack will also help with the pain. The pain won't last too long. Always make sure you ask an adult or a Lifesaver for help. The first thing to do is to take off any bits of tentacles that remain on your skin before applying hot or cold water.
