How to Build a Tide Pool

Small or large, a natural tide pool is an area of seawater formed in the rocky places near the ocean. Tide pools offer habitats for sea creatures and plants during low tide and fill when the tide is high. Build your own version of a tide pool following simple techniques.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Basin
• Sand
• Water
• Gravel
• Rocks

1. Gather the appropriate tools needed to build a replica tide pool. You need a basin or container, sand, gravel, water and rocks to build a simple tide pool.

2. Place enough sand in the basin to fill it halfway up. Carefully moisten the sand with water.

3. Create depressions in the sand using your hand or a dome-shaped tool to form the tide pools. Place gravel in each tide pool to cover the bottom.

4. Position the rocks on one side of the basin to simulate the rocky terrain found near a natural tide pool. Add approximately 2 inches of water to the top of the sand. Add the water slowly to avoid sand disruption.

5. Simulate high and low tide conditions. To create a high-tide affect, shift the basin toward the rocks. Tilt the basin in the other direction to create a low-tide example.

Tips & Warnings

• Adapt your tide pool replica to fit your needs. Change the size of the basin, the amount of the materials used or add model animals to make your tide pool unique.
• Don't disturb the sand when adding water to the tide pool. If the sand is disrupted, your tide pool simulation won't work correctly.