A wave starts way out in the ocean, and it can travel for thousands of miles before it reaches shore. The wind’s duration and its speed determine the amount of waves formed, and the size of each of them. As it nears land, not only does the wave increase in height, but the upper part of the wave (the part we can see) starts moving faster than the bottom part because it drags on the ocean floor. At this point, the wave starts to tip forward. When it leans over enough, the wave will curl over and crash, forming what is called a “breaker.” Isn’t that awesome? Create your own ocean with this nature activity.
Facebook

The way that waves are formed is a lot like how Christians are “born.” God sends His Holy Spirit into the world, and the people that choose to listen to Him become Christians! We can’t see the wind that makes the waves, just like we can’t see the Holy Spirit, but when we see a wave, we immediately know that the wind made it! It’s the same with the Holy Spirit. When we meet someone that’s a Christian, we know that they listened to God’s voice. And, as the waves travel toward the shore, they get bigger and bigger. As we learn more about Jesus, our love for Him grows bigger and bigger! So, the next time you are at the beach watching the waves roll onto the shore, think about how much Jesus loves you . . . and remember to tell Him how much you love Him, too!

“And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.” Isaiah 11:2 (ESV)

Supplies Needed:

  • Empty two-liter plastic bottle with lid
  • Clear vegetable oil or mineral oil
  • Water
  • Funnel
  • Blue food coloring
  • Clean sand, small pebbles, seashells, glitter, small sea creature toys, etc.*
  • White craft glue
  • Hot glue

           * Make sure they can fit into the end of the bottle

Steps:

  1. Fill a clean (labels removed) , clear two-liter bottle halfway with water.
  2. Add a couple drops of blue food coloring and swirl to mix.
  3. If desired, add small pebbles, sand, sea shells, glitter, toys, etc.
  4. Using a funnel, fill bottle all the way to the top with oil.
  5. Making sure that the rim and cap are dry, apply white craft glue around the rim. Seal cap.
  6. Apply a layer of hot glue around the outer edge of the cap for added protection from leakage.
  7. Turn the bottle on its side and gently rock to create a “wave” inside your ocean habitat!