Life in a Rock Pool

Science · Ocean Life · ages 5-7

Name ______________________ Date ____________

What is a rock pool?
- A pool at a hotel
- A puddle in the desert
- A small pool of sea water on the beach
Which animal can you find in a rock pool?
- Elephant
- Crab
- Lion
Rock pools are found on the beach, between the rocks.
Circle one: True False
Count the starfish stuck to the rocks. Type how many you see.
Answer: ______________
Why do crabs and starfish hold on tight to rocks?
- So waves do not wash them away
- So they can fly
- So they can grow bigger
At low tide, what happens to a rock pool?
- It disappears completely
- It stays there, full of water and small animals
- It turns into sand
Which of these helps a sea anemone survive crashing waves?
- Sticking tightly to a rock
- Floating away with the wave
- Growing wings
Zara says rock pool animals swim far away when a big wave comes. Is this true?
- Yes, they always swim far away
- No, they turn to stone
- No, they hide in cracks or hold on tight

Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

A small pool of sea water on the beach · A rock pool forms among rocks on the shore when the tide goes out.
Crab · Crabs live in rock pools, along with starfish and small fish.
True · Rock pools sit among rocks on the shore, filled with sea water.
3 · Starfish stick tight to the rock so waves cannot wash them away.
So waves do not wash them away · Gripping the rock keeps them safe when a big wave crashes.
It stays there, full of water and small animals · At low tide, water stays trapped among the rocks, making a small pool.
Sticking tightly to a rock · A sea anemone grips a rock with a sticky foot so waves cannot pull it off.
No, they hide in cracks or hold on tight · Small rock pool animals cannot swim far. They hide in cracks or grip rocks instead.