Have you ever looked closely at a puddle of water? You might see tiny specks floating around. Now imagine millions of those tiny specks in it! Those tiny specks in the sea are called plankton. 

Plankton are super tiny organisms that drift in the water. They can be as small as a single cell or as big as a jellyfish. Some plankton can swim a little bit, but most just float around, going wherever the current takes them.

Why are plankton important?

Food for bigger animals: Many bigger animals, like fish, whales, and seabirds, eat plankton. So, plankton is the base of the ocean's food chain.
Oxygen producers: Some plankton, like phytoplankton, can make their own food using sunlight. In the process, they release oxygen into the water, which helps other animals breathe.
Climate regulators: Plankton also helps regulate Earth's climate by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

So, even though plankton are tiny, they play a big role in keeping our planet healthy. Let's protect these amazing little creatures and the ocean they call home!

Here are some ideas for you to do. You can share them with us if you like!:

Plankton Painting: Use watercolours paints to create a colourful underwater scene filled with different kinds of plankton. 
Ocean Story-Time: Write or draw a story about a tiny plankton that goes on a big adventure in the ocean.

Remember even though plankton are tiny, they play a big role in keeping our planet healthy!