Collect small rocks, shells, or any other natural materials you can find. These will be used to create your miniature oyster reef.

Find a spot on the beach or use a shallow tray of water for your reef.

Stack the materials to create hiding spots, like a real reef. Think about how fish, crabs, and other sea creatures would use the spaces you’ve created.

Imagine how waves and tides would impact your reef. Would it stay strong, or would it get washed away? Consider how you could make it more stable.

After you’ve built your reef, think about the role real oyster reefs play in protecting shorelines, filtering water, and supporting marine life.

After building and reflecting on your reef, share how you made it and what you learned about oyster ecosystems!