Make a Fiddler Crab
K - 2 Activity - Teacher Directions
Summary
Students create a paper plate Fiddler Crab. Option: create a coastal landscape or diorama for the crabs.
Background:
The fiddler crab is so named because the male has one large front claw or “pincer” that is moved back and forth when mating or to intimidate a predator. This resembles the movement of the arm when playing a fiddle or violin. There is also one short claw in front. If the large claw breaks off, the small claw grows into a big claw and another small one grows in. The crab burrows into muddy beaches. It has a hard shell over its body and eight jointed legs. It is brownish in color.
Materials:
- One white paper plate for each child
- Copies of crab legs (8) and eyes for each child
- Crayons, markers or watercolor paints
- Stapler
Procedure:
- Paint entire bottom of the paper plate brown. Option: It may be colored with crayons or markers.
- Paint or color the eight legs (including the one large claw) brown.
- Fold paper plate in half with white, unpainted insides together. Staple closed around the edges several times.
- Cut out all eight legs (including one large claw) and staple or glue legs to the bottom of the “crab” body.
- Cut out eyes and “pop up” stands. Color a black pupil inside the white oval of the eye.
- Glue the “pop up” stands for the eyes on the top of the crab shell.
- Glue the oval eyes with black centers onto the “pop up” stands.
Additional Activities:
Create a “Coastal Landscape” on a bulletin board, wall space or box.
Have students help you. Tape or staple student made “fiddler crabs”
to the landscape.