Have you heard of World Oceans Day? Celebrated annually on June 8th, it’s an internationally recognized and celebrated day to learn, share, preserve and promote one of our most magnificent resources, the oceans and seas.
The World Oceans Days website (link below) is a wealth of information – including research on pollution, posters in 15 languages, and a variety of action steps that anyone can take to make a difference. Visit the site to learn how oceans regulate our climate, generate most of the oxygen we breathe, clean the water that we drink and so much more.
Want to combine your learning with a fun recycled music craft? Here’s a way you can reduce, reuse, recycle and make a great homemade drum that sounds remarkably like the sea!
What Is An Ocean Drum?
If you live near the sea or have visited an ocean, you know the wonderful, 
relaxing sound of waves coming and going along the seashore. An ocean drum is a 2 sided hand drum that – when played – sounds just like the surf. In fact, if you close your eyes, you can imagine you are right there on the beach, hearing the waves as they come and go.
Above is a picture of a traditional ocean drum.
Make Your Own Recycled Ocean Drum
Check your recycling bin. Do you have a sturdy pizza box or a mailing box with dimensions somewhat like the one seen here? If you do, you can fill the bottom of the box with sand, salt, seed beads or any tiny pasta (like acini de pepe). There’s also some great ways to create a window to the drum, decorate the outside and seal the box so the contents don’t escape and you can use it for weeks to come.
Ocean Drum Tutorial Free
Want a step-by-step tutorial plus other great info on this drum and world music instruments? Until June 16th, we’ve reduced the price of this great kids music resource to – free! (Note: If you read this post after June 16, 2017 and need a free educator’s copy, just contact daria at dariamusic at yahoo dot com for more info).
Links And Resources
Free Tutorial – MYO Ocean Drum – https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Ocean-Drum-Craft-1567951
World Oceans Day – Main Site – http://www.worldoceansday.org/
Find An Oceans Day Event Near You – http://www.worldoceansday.org/events_list
