CLAMS |
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We find clams hiding in ocean mud all over the world. Most of them dig under the sand for protection from ocean waves and from predators. Clams are "filter feeders", trapping very tiny plants and animals that drift in the sea.
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Follow these directions for an easy to make model of a clam. |
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MATERIALS: For each clam you will need: |
| 1) Start with a paper plate | 2) Fold the plate in half. | 3) Cut off the "pointy" corners (You can skip this step if you want to). |
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4) Cut a rounded shape from a piece of colored construction paper (about 3 by 4 inches). |
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5) Cut a triangle from another piece of construction paper, about the same size |  |
6) Glue the triangle to the inside of the clamshell. Make sure it sticks out a little. |
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This is the clam's foot. The clam uses its foot to dig safely under the sand. |
| 7) Attach the two straws to the clam, across from the foot, and about an inch down from the hinge. |  |
These straws are a lot like the siphons (Sy'-funs) of the clam, for drinking the seawater and catching the little bits of food (plankton) drifting around in the sea. |
| 8) Finally, glue the rounded shape onto the middle of the clam, overlapping the straws. |  |
This rounded piece is similar to the clam's stomach. |
If you have any comments or suggestions about this project, I would love to hear from you.
Copyright c 1999 Michael Glaser. You have my permission to make copies of this page for your own, non commercial use only. Please do not copy this page, or the illustrations on this page, to any other web page without my permission.