All play ideasRock pool two minute watch

Rock pool two minute watch

Choose one rock pool, watch it without touching for two minutes, and list everything that moves.

Age 4 to 6 · Reception to Year 2Age 7 to 9 · Year 3 to Year 4OutdoorSunny dayRock pools week

Rock pools look empty for the first ninety seconds. Then they come alive.

What you need

  • Sturdy shoes and an adult
  • A clear pot or jar
  • A notebook
  • A tide time check before you go

How to do it

  1. 1

    Check the tide times and go as the tide is going out.

  2. 2

    Pick a pool with weed and overhangs, and kneel quietly beside it.

  3. 3

    Watch for two full minutes before touching anything.

  4. 4

    List or draw everything you saw move, then gently look under one stone and put it back exactly.

  5. 5

    Leave every creature in its pool and note the time so you can compare next visit.

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