As a participant in Blog Action Day, today I post on the important topic of the green classroom. Specifically, I want to encourage all of you crafty teachers and parents to seek art and project supplies in places other than your local Wal-Mart or Michaels. Instead of giving you a project today, I'm giving you an assignment. Go out and find a cheap or free place to get supplies, and bring back something you can use in your teaching sometime soon.
I hit my local Goodwills and Salvation Armies about once a month, and I always find something that can be repurposed in my classroom. Just last week I found one of those things you hang in a doorway with long strands of beads on it. Some of the strands will go into the dramatic play center, others for craft projects, and a heap of them would be awesome in the sensory table. I also found a ton of dress-up clothes, including several hats.
It's getting late in the season for yard sales in my region, but it may still be warm where you are. Check your local newspaper for ads and be on red alert for any that say "retiring teacher." Sales like that can be a gold mine.
Odds are you also have a place nearby that collects items from companies to be reused by schools. In my area, it's Ruth's. If not, you can call large companies and ask. Try printers for cardboard tubes and scrap paper, laboratories and hospitals for pipettes and science stuff, hardware stores for wallpaper sample books and brushes, and so on. Big stores usually have stuff they're eager to donate, and you never know what you might find. One approach is to come up with a list of possible items, and then write (or have your kids write) letters requesting donations.
Using recycled stuff in your art projects encourages creativity, teaches science, and fosters a respect for the environment. It also helps the planet and saves you money. You really can't lose, so go for it!
Showing posts with label Science. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Science. Show all posts
Beautiful Leaf Decorations
Here are two ways to create wonderful fall leaf decorations and art in your classroom. I did both of these with preschoolers, but they can be done by all ages and are very satisfying.
The first project involves coffee filters and markers. I know you've done this before, but they came out so well I had to mention it here. We used the extra-large, extra-thick ones from Discount School Supply, but regular ones will work as well. First, cut out various leaf shapes from the filters. Try to get a few different species so you have a variety. Then, have the kids color the leaves with markers. I limited them to red, orange and yellow, although you don't have to. Show them how to make dots or stripes on the leaves, as coloring the whole leaf in is unnecessary. Now just have them drip water on the leaves using pipettes. Don't let them put the whole leaves in water, or the color will leach out. Lay them on sheets of paper to dry and you'll have gorgeous translucent leaves that can be hung or taped to windows.
The second project is a classic, and with good reason. Collect real leaves, apply paint or ink to them, and press them against paper. Even using cheap children's tempera, you'll get wonderfully detailed veins. I liked using sponge rollers instead of brushes to apply the paint; brushes lay it on too thick and you get a globby mess. Also, place another piece of paper on top of the leaves and press on that rather than directly on them. This stops the leaves from shifting and creating blurry images. Finally, I suggest using plain white paper as your background. A few of my co-workers did the project with brown or green construction paper, and the detail just didn't show up as well as it did with white.
Happy fall!
The first project involves coffee filters and markers. I know you've done this before, but they came out so well I had to mention it here. We used the extra-large, extra-thick ones from Discount School Supply, but regular ones will work as well. First, cut out various leaf shapes from the filters. Try to get a few different species so you have a variety. Then, have the kids color the leaves with markers. I limited them to red, orange and yellow, although you don't have to. Show them how to make dots or stripes on the leaves, as coloring the whole leaf in is unnecessary. Now just have them drip water on the leaves using pipettes. Don't let them put the whole leaves in water, or the color will leach out. Lay them on sheets of paper to dry and you'll have gorgeous translucent leaves that can be hung or taped to windows.
The second project is a classic, and with good reason. Collect real leaves, apply paint or ink to them, and press them against paper. Even using cheap children's tempera, you'll get wonderfully detailed veins. I liked using sponge rollers instead of brushes to apply the paint; brushes lay it on too thick and you get a globby mess. Also, place another piece of paper on top of the leaves and press on that rather than directly on them. This stops the leaves from shifting and creating blurry images. Finally, I suggest using plain white paper as your background. A few of my co-workers did the project with brown or green construction paper, and the detail just didn't show up as well as it did with white.Happy fall!
Printable Animal Coloring Book
Well dear readers, I've been knocked down by a sudden and nasty case of strep throat, so please excuse the brevity of this post. Even though the antibiotics have sucked away all my energy, I didn't want to break my chain of continuous daily posts. And because I vow to put something practical and useful in every single post, today I'll just direct you to this great collection of animal coloring book images, courtesy of National Geographic.
The pictures are detailed and realistic, just as you'd expect from NG. I particularly like the Monarch butterfly, as it shows the insect's whole life cycle. I'd like to color some of these myself for display in my classroom. It'll give me something to do over the next couple of days, in between the chicken soup, penicillin, and wild swings in body temperature. I believe in the healing qualities of a 120-count box of Crayolas. Don't you?
The pictures are detailed and realistic, just as you'd expect from NG. I particularly like the Monarch butterfly, as it shows the insect's whole life cycle. I'd like to color some of these myself for display in my classroom. It'll give me something to do over the next couple of days, in between the chicken soup, penicillin, and wild swings in body temperature. I believe in the healing qualities of a 120-count box of Crayolas. Don't you?
Childhood Brain Modification
Just came across this fascinating page with all sorts of odd behavior ideas that bring me right back to my own childhood.
The site includes detailed instructions for such entertaining activities as creating giant static sparks, playing a blade of grass like a musical instrument, and crossing only one eye. Kidlike fun with a good dose of science thrown in! If nothing else, you're sure to find something that will get your kids' attention (or completely gross them out, depending.)
ATTENTION ALL GROWNUPS. Your "inner child" has long been waiting for a chance to usurp control of your body and force it to perform certain actions. The time is now at hand. Read and follow the instructions below. Do this now.
The site includes detailed instructions for such entertaining activities as creating giant static sparks, playing a blade of grass like a musical instrument, and crossing only one eye. Kidlike fun with a good dose of science thrown in! If nothing else, you're sure to find something that will get your kids' attention (or completely gross them out, depending.)
Modeling Dough Ideas and Simple Play-Doh Recipe
Kids and Modeling Dough
We all know that using modeling dough, clay and Play-Doh are very important sensory experiences for young children. These activities strengthen the fine motor skills students will soon need for handwriting. Working with dough encourages imaginative play. It's also part of early science learning. There are several things you can do to maximize your kids' time with this fun material.
First, be sure there is enough dough for each person to use. Preschoolers will want at least a cup or two to start, and probably more later on. Either make a lot of it available or limit how many children can use it at a time.
Provide tools for the children to use with the dough, or it may bore them quickly. Plastic cookie cutters come in countless shapes and are easy for small fingers to grip. Small rolling pins are important to have on hand; cylinder blocks work well too. Try the Dollar Store for cheap kitchen utensils such as wooden mallets and large spoons. Try a colander to push dough through. Muffin tins and small molds provide shaping and sorting possibilities. I also give the kids safety scissors and dull plastic knives for cutting. More mature children can be offered spray bottles to moisten drying clay.
You can purchase all sorts of accessories intended for commercial Play-Doh, but beware: those with moving parts, like presses and machines, break easily and will be fought over. I dislike using commercial products like that in my own classroom anyway. (Did you know that children are exposed to 20,000 advertisements a year?)
In addition to tools, try giving the kids objects that can also become part of sculptures. Tongue depressors, craft sticks, toothpicks, and large wiggle eyes are great additions. Beads and buttons are fun. Pipe cleaners, cut in half, make cute antennae and legs.
You may need to model what to do with the dough. Depending on your group you can do this with the whole class or just sit at the center and show those who come over. Show the kids how to roll, flatten, and pinch it. I make large and small balls and put them on a flat clay "plate" like peas. I roll out long strands, then smoosh them and form bowls. I poke holes with my fingers. Then, I show them how to cut shapes with cookie cutters and add wiggle eyes to make creatures. After you've demonstrated, leave the kids to their work. You don't want to stifle creativity by making them think they're expected to be as good at it as you are.
It's essential to make sure your students understand the limits and rules around playing with the modeling dough. I'll give you some examples from my classroom. Children at the sensory center each get a tray, and that is where their dough has to stay. A central tray holds extra dough, tools, and so on; I teach the kids to put the stuff there when they're done so it's available for others. Dough that falls on the floor is to be thrown away, a rule that encourages them to be conscious of what they're doing. I also teach them that it's never okay to put the dough in their hair, throw it, or try to eat it. (Some teachers use edible dough - intended for consumption - but I find that confuses the kids then next time I make non-edible dough. It also gets in the way of me teaching them not to play with their food.)
Expose your kids to several types of dough. The soft Play-Doh variety isn't the only kind out there. Slick, non-drying modeling material is satisfying to use, although it does require more strength. Natural clay is also a core experience for young artists. Varying the kind of material gives children different sensory feedback, exercising small muscles and helping them interact better with the physical world.
You will also want to have times when the dough is just there to be played with, and other times when the children can save their creations. Play-Doh, and the dough recipe below, are not really intended to be dried out and saved. Oil-based modeling material won't dry either. Natural clay or paper-based clay can be air-dried and painted. Some clays are baked in a kiln (ask your local high school if you can use theirs). Polymer clays like Sculpey are baked in a kitchen or toaster oven. They are relatively expensive, but come in dozens of colors and hold detail very well. Makins Clay is similar to polymer clay but can be air-dried.
Finally, a note on colors. It's irritating for us type-A folks to make carefully measured portions of different colors (or spend a bunch of money on 12 colors of the commercial stuff) and then watch them get completely smooshed together within five minutes. Let it go, and let them do it. It's part of their learning. Leave the dough uncolored, or use only primary colors, and let them mix away.
Dough Recipe
This recipe makes enough smooth, soft play dough for two kids to use. I double or triple it for use in my sensory or science centers.
2 cups flour
2 cups water
1/2 cup salt
2 tbs oil
4 tbs cream of tartar OR 2 tbs baking soda and 2 tbs baking powder
1. Place water, oil and cream of tartar in a large saucepan and heat over low heat until hot.
2. Stir in remaining ingredients.
3. Cook, stirring constantly, until it gets so thick you can't stir any more.
4. Remove from heat, cool to lukewarm, and store in an airtight container. It may seem a bit sticky but improves with time and kneading.
Variations & Tips
• You can add food coloring to the dough while it's cooking, or wait until it's done and divide it up to make multiple colors. If you do the latter, wear gloves and knead in the coloring.
• You can add Kool-Aid powder for color and scent. You can also try vanilla or strawberry extract, cocoa powder, or lemon juice.
• Try varying the texture with a quarter cup of one of these add-ins: sand, rolled oats, lint, glitter, or rock salt.
• This mixture does not have to be refrigerated. I find it lasts about a week with daily classroom use as long as you put it in a sealed container after use. If it begins to get dry, put it in its container overnight along with a wet sponge or paper towel.
We all know that using modeling dough, clay and Play-Doh are very important sensory experiences for young children. These activities strengthen the fine motor skills students will soon need for handwriting. Working with dough encourages imaginative play. It's also part of early science learning. There are several things you can do to maximize your kids' time with this fun material.
First, be sure there is enough dough for each person to use. Preschoolers will want at least a cup or two to start, and probably more later on. Either make a lot of it available or limit how many children can use it at a time.
Provide tools for the children to use with the dough, or it may bore them quickly. Plastic cookie cutters come in countless shapes and are easy for small fingers to grip. Small rolling pins are important to have on hand; cylinder blocks work well too. Try the Dollar Store for cheap kitchen utensils such as wooden mallets and large spoons. Try a colander to push dough through. Muffin tins and small molds provide shaping and sorting possibilities. I also give the kids safety scissors and dull plastic knives for cutting. More mature children can be offered spray bottles to moisten drying clay.
You can purchase all sorts of accessories intended for commercial Play-Doh, but beware: those with moving parts, like presses and machines, break easily and will be fought over. I dislike using commercial products like that in my own classroom anyway. (Did you know that children are exposed to 20,000 advertisements a year?)
In addition to tools, try giving the kids objects that can also become part of sculptures. Tongue depressors, craft sticks, toothpicks, and large wiggle eyes are great additions. Beads and buttons are fun. Pipe cleaners, cut in half, make cute antennae and legs.
You may need to model what to do with the dough. Depending on your group you can do this with the whole class or just sit at the center and show those who come over. Show the kids how to roll, flatten, and pinch it. I make large and small balls and put them on a flat clay "plate" like peas. I roll out long strands, then smoosh them and form bowls. I poke holes with my fingers. Then, I show them how to cut shapes with cookie cutters and add wiggle eyes to make creatures. After you've demonstrated, leave the kids to their work. You don't want to stifle creativity by making them think they're expected to be as good at it as you are.
It's essential to make sure your students understand the limits and rules around playing with the modeling dough. I'll give you some examples from my classroom. Children at the sensory center each get a tray, and that is where their dough has to stay. A central tray holds extra dough, tools, and so on; I teach the kids to put the stuff there when they're done so it's available for others. Dough that falls on the floor is to be thrown away, a rule that encourages them to be conscious of what they're doing. I also teach them that it's never okay to put the dough in their hair, throw it, or try to eat it. (Some teachers use edible dough - intended for consumption - but I find that confuses the kids then next time I make non-edible dough. It also gets in the way of me teaching them not to play with their food.)
Expose your kids to several types of dough. The soft Play-Doh variety isn't the only kind out there. Slick, non-drying modeling material is satisfying to use, although it does require more strength. Natural clay is also a core experience for young artists. Varying the kind of material gives children different sensory feedback, exercising small muscles and helping them interact better with the physical world.
You will also want to have times when the dough is just there to be played with, and other times when the children can save their creations. Play-Doh, and the dough recipe below, are not really intended to be dried out and saved. Oil-based modeling material won't dry either. Natural clay or paper-based clay can be air-dried and painted. Some clays are baked in a kiln (ask your local high school if you can use theirs). Polymer clays like Sculpey are baked in a kitchen or toaster oven. They are relatively expensive, but come in dozens of colors and hold detail very well. Makins Clay is similar to polymer clay but can be air-dried.
Finally, a note on colors. It's irritating for us type-A folks to make carefully measured portions of different colors (or spend a bunch of money on 12 colors of the commercial stuff) and then watch them get completely smooshed together within five minutes. Let it go, and let them do it. It's part of their learning. Leave the dough uncolored, or use only primary colors, and let them mix away.
Dough Recipe
This recipe makes enough smooth, soft play dough for two kids to use. I double or triple it for use in my sensory or science centers.
2 cups flour
2 cups water
1/2 cup salt
2 tbs oil
4 tbs cream of tartar OR 2 tbs baking soda and 2 tbs baking powder
1. Place water, oil and cream of tartar in a large saucepan and heat over low heat until hot.
2. Stir in remaining ingredients.
3. Cook, stirring constantly, until it gets so thick you can't stir any more.
4. Remove from heat, cool to lukewarm, and store in an airtight container. It may seem a bit sticky but improves with time and kneading.
Variations & Tips
• You can add food coloring to the dough while it's cooking, or wait until it's done and divide it up to make multiple colors. If you do the latter, wear gloves and knead in the coloring.
• You can add Kool-Aid powder for color and scent. You can also try vanilla or strawberry extract, cocoa powder, or lemon juice.
• Try varying the texture with a quarter cup of one of these add-ins: sand, rolled oats, lint, glitter, or rock salt.
• This mixture does not have to be refrigerated. I find it lasts about a week with daily classroom use as long as you put it in a sealed container after use. If it begins to get dry, put it in its container overnight along with a wet sponge or paper towel.
Super Easy Toy Boat From Craft Foam
This week in my school we have a transportation theme, and as part of it I've decided to put some toy boats in the water table. Unfortunately for me, money is tight and my new class is a bunch of hooligans. Seriously, they destroy everything. They're still toddlers in a lot of ways, though, so I'm understanding of their need to tear, smash, drop and crush the brand new toys I bought with my own money just for them. Hopefully they too will be understanding of my need to cheap out and just make disposable toy boats.
These boats are fairly sturdy and take only a minute to make. All you need is a rectangle of "fun foam" and a stapler. Overlap the corners of one short end as shown in the photo to the right. Staple. Then put another staple in the bottom corner. Repeat on the other side. Your boat won't sit upright on "land," but it will do so in the water. (The one in the photo above is propped up in the back.) It's not completely waterproof but it won't take on much water, and will still float even if it has a little liquid in it.You could vary this by adding a sail, decorating with permanent markers, or cutting the edges with fun-shaped scissors. An anchor could be added with some string and black foam with a pebble glued on as a weight. A little life preserver from a donut of white foam would be cute, too.
These boats are strong enough to carry around a few Lego people. A large one made of a whole sheet of foam would be great to use in a pool and would certainly carry a larger doll. My little ones are going in a shallow tub of water - colored blue with a bit of food coloring - and I'm going to teach the kids how to have boat races by blowing the crafts across the water. We'll also experiment to see how many small, smooth stones it takes to make these puppies sink. Ahoy, matey, there be science ahead!
6 Ways to Preserve Autumn Leaves
What teacher doesn't like using leaves in art projects? They're beautiful, they make for great science learning, and they're free! Prevent those lovely leaves from disappearing too quickly with one of these preservation methods.1. Press them: Dry your leaves carefully and press them between the pages of a telephone book. Or, place them between sheets of blank newsprint and weight them down. Your leaves will be flat and dry, but may crumble easily.
2. Dip them: Melt some beeswax in a double boiler. Dip each leaf in the wax, giving it a thin, even coat. Allow the wax to solidify before putting the leaf down.
3. Iron them: Place a leaf between two pieces of waxed paper. Put a towel or cloth on top and press with a warm iron. Remove the cloth and cut around the leaf, or try peeling away the waxed paper to see what you get.
4. Plasticize them: Combine one cup glycerin with two cups water and mix well. (You can get glycerin at drug and health food stores.) Pour the mixture into a shallow pan. Place fresh leaves in the pan and lay a sheet of paper on top of them. Put small stones on top to loosely weigh everything down. (I understand some people have had success just putting the tips of leaf stems or even whole branches in the solution, although I haven't tried it.) Leave for about a week; remove and rinse. The leaves won't seem very different, but they'll stay soft and lifelike for a long time.
5. Nuke them: Put 2-3 leaves in the microwave under a paper towel. Microwave for 30 seconds or so. You can also get a special microwaveable desiccant silica gel to place the leaves in first. It better controls the rate and evenness of drying.
6. Laminate them: Run them through a laminating machine. Make sure they're dry first, or the lamination won't stick.
Thanks for reading! I hope you keep coming back, because soon I'm going to be posting a bunch of projects and ideas for using those wonderful leaves.
Recipe: Silly Putty
A lot of books and sites have alternate names for this wonderful material, because they want to avoid getting in trouble for using a trademarked name. Well, too bad. If a person knows they want homemade Silly Putty, how are they to find the recipe online if people are calling it things like "Fun Putty?"
Anyway, to make your own Silly Putty, all you need to do is mix together roughly equal parts of white school glue and liquid starch. We get the glue in gallon containers and the starch is easy to find at any grocery store. If you only want a little, say less than a cup, measure out equal parts of each ingredient. You might want to go this route if this is your first time making the stuff. Try starting with a tablespoon of each.
If you want a lot, pour your glue into a big plastic bowl and then add liquid starch a little at a time. Don't bother measuring. Stir and knead until it reaches the right consistency - you'll know it when it happens. It will be smooth and rubbery. I like to just dump in the ingredients and hand the bowl to a child. Play your cards right and you'll never have to touch the stuff (although you'll probably want to!) I've also let each person make their own by pouring the glue and starch onto styrofoam plates. A chemical reaction causes the glue to become stretchy and more solid. You may need to drain off excess starch after mixing. If kids are doing the mixing you can have them gently dab their putty with a paper towel.
I've also made the same material using that blue gel glue. It comes out a transparent blue, which is really neat. It's stiffer than the white glue version, and not really stretchy, so I just kept it in a plastic bag and let the kids play with it that way. The result here might depend on the brand I used, so you should experiment to see what you can get with your locally available types.
You can add in food coloring or liquid watercolor to your Silly Putty for even more fun. Divide up the batch and make several colors for an entertaining color-mixing experiment. I wouldn't let kids do the initial mixing with their hands if you're using food coloring, though, because the concentrated stuff will really stain their skin and clothes. Stir the color into the putty a bit before you give it to them.
The more you play with this stuff, the better it gets, so let the kids smoosh it up for a good long time. You can use this putty the same way "real" Silly Putty is used... Pull it slowly so it stretches, and snap it fast so it breaks. Press it into molds, cut it with scissors or cookie cutters, or try using Play-Doh tools with it. It will also lift images from newsprint. Clean-up is pretty easy as long as you limit the kids to using it in one area. Putting down newspaper helps. Vinegar will take the stuff out of clothes, carpets and hair. When you're done, you can store the putty in Zip-loc bags, margarine tubs, or plastic easter eggs.
Fill up your water table with the stuff. It might give your director a heart attack, but it sure will entertain the kids. Good times.
Smashed Flower Prints
Here's a unique way to preserve the beauty of fresh flowers. This project also has a strong sensory component, since the scent of the flowers will be embedded into the print for a while.
Materials Needed
Fresh plant material - flowers, leaves, and greenery
Heavy white paper or cardstock
Hammer or flat rock
How to Do It
1. Lay down a sheet of white paper or cardstock on a protected surface. Thick newspaper is a good choice. A phone book is, too.
2. Sprinkle flower petals and greenery across the paper. You can do it randomly or try to make a pattern. Make sure there are no bugs on the paper.
3. Lay another sheet of paper on top of the plants.
4. Using a hammer or rock, pound all over the paper to transfer the flower pigments. After a while, lift up the top sheet to check your work. Continue if desired.
5. When finished, peel apart the papers and discard the flowers.
Variations & Tips
• Experiment with which flowers work best. Phlox, shown in the photo above, works very well. So do marigolds, violets, and black-eyed susans. Greenery from plants makes wonderful bright colors, but autumn leaves didn't work for me at all. I also found that some flowers with thicker petals didn't work.
• Make sure the plants you use smell reasonably good, because the paper (and your classroom) will pick up their aroma before you're finished.
• Since each project makes two prints, consider having two kids work on the pounding and then letting each person pick which print they want when they're done. To be sure both prints look good you should flip the papers over so hammering is done on both sides.
• If you use flowers with thin petals, you may want to leave the petals right on the paper instead of removing them. Allow to dry completely, and then laminate.
• If you're nervous about giving kids hammers, just give each child a handful of petals and leaves. Let them ball it all up in their hands and smoosh them against the paper to "paint" it.
• Some children might enjoy drawing in stems or a scene after the pounding is done.
DIY Bug Catchers, Nets and Boxes
I noticed from my stats that someone was looking for bug catchers, and it so happens I've got a boatload of ideas for bug collecting. Most of these are for preschool, pre-K, and kindergarten, but I'll add some adaptations for the big kids. Ahh, bugs. Love them or hate them, they're a prime source of interest for younger kids. Although many teachers balk at bringing bugs inside, there are plenty of ways to do so without hurting the bugs or the kids.
Disclaimer: Know your kids and know your region. I don't have any students with insect allergies, and I live in a region where we don't have dangerous critters. I'm not responsible for what happens if you take the deathly-allergic-to-bee-stings kid bug collecting in a field full of nasty venomous beasties. I'm just sayin'.
Another Disclaimer: Please don't try to catch adult butterflies, no matter what the net's called, unless you're doing this with older kids. Younger kids almost always kill the poor creatures. If you want them to see butterflies, collect caterpillars and watch the changes. And for heaven's sake, whatever kind of bugs you catch, don't hurt them. Observe and release.
DIY Butterfly or Bug-Catching Net
To make a bug-catching or butterfly net, you'll need a pole of some kind, strong wire, netting (see below), and duct tape. The pole should be something of an appropriate length and weight for your students. I really like the 3'-4' bamboo poles you can get at the garden store; they're light and seem sturdy. You could also use lengths of dowel, strong sticks, sections of a broom handle, lengths of PVC pipe, or even rulers for smaller nets.
Next, you'll need netting. The obvious DIY choice is old pantyhose, but the problem is finding pieces large enough. A better choice is cheesecloth or that material they use in bridal veils - tulle. Both are pretty cheap and easy to obtain. In a pinch you could really use almost any thin fabric.
To make each net, take a length of strong wire (a cut-up coat hanger works well) and bend it into a circle, with two prongs at each end to attach it to the pole. Place these prongs against the pole and affix them with duct tape. (If you're using bamboo or pipe, you can stick part of the prongs right into the pole before you apply tape.) Now, cut a circle of netting that's about an inch or so greater in diameter than the wire circle. It doesn't have to be perfect.
To attach the net you can go fast and easy or painstaking but better-looking. For fast and easy, just duct tape the edge of the net circle right around the wire loop. For slow but more professional, sew the netting on with strong thread. You may be tempted to use the slower method, but remember this is an item with will likely be dragged through dirt, weeds and mud puddles. I'd save the sewn version for older kids or for kids who will use the net to catch fish or frogs.
You can make a deeper net by using two rectangles of netting whose short lengths are about 5" longer than the wire loop's diameter. Sew or tape three sides of the rectangles together. Attach the open part to the loop. You could also use two long, thin triangles of netting.
Another option for making the net is to use an embroidery hoop. Separate the two parts and insert your netting. Put the parts back together and tighten the screw. Then use wire to attach the hoop to the pole.
Bug Catchers
Tube: You can just use cardboard tubes, or get some lengths of wide, clear plastic tubing at your local Home Depot-type store. (Ask for the plumbing or jacuzzi supplies section.) To use, gently push the bug into the tube and cover one end with each hand. Alternatively, take two lengths of tube. On each one, seal off one end with a binder clip. To keep bugs in this type you just hold the open ends together.
Cup: Tried and true! Give each kid a clear plastic cup and a square of cardstock. Scoop the bug into the cup with the cardstock and then put it on top to keep it inside. Great for spiders!
Bug sucker: Okay, I know some of you are going to cringe at this one, but it looks like a cool idea. Check it out here.
Cut bottle: Cut plastic bottles in half and keep the ends with the caps. Use cardstock circles or butter tub lids to capture the bugs, guide them into the bottle and keep them inside.
Bottle: Just give them empty plastic bottles and caps. Poke holes in the bottles first even if you're only keeping them in there for a few minutes. (When the kids put the covers on the bottles, heat can change the pressure inside them and quickly kill the insects. Please do not ask how I know this.)
Bug Holders
A temporary bug holder can be simple or fancy. All you really need is a closed, transparent container with small holes poked in it for air. Soda bottles work fine.
For something a little more long-term, cut a rectangle out of the side of a soda bottle and tape window screen material or netting over it. You could put soil and small plants inside it first.
I've yet to find a really good, cheap DIY ant farm idea. A few weeks ago, I was inspired to DIY my own gel ant farm, like this commercial one. I figured I could just use Jello - ants like sugar, right? I made some double-strength red Jello and poured it into a soda bottle. Poked some holes near the top and dropped in some ants (yes, from the same anthill). Result: total failure. Glad I only used a few ants, poor things. So if you've got a better idea for a DIY ant farm that's really cheap and lets the kids actually see the tunnels, please put it in the comments!
For More Information
Disclaimer: Know your kids and know your region. I don't have any students with insect allergies, and I live in a region where we don't have dangerous critters. I'm not responsible for what happens if you take the deathly-allergic-to-bee-stings kid bug collecting in a field full of nasty venomous beasties. I'm just sayin'.
Another Disclaimer: Please don't try to catch adult butterflies, no matter what the net's called, unless you're doing this with older kids. Younger kids almost always kill the poor creatures. If you want them to see butterflies, collect caterpillars and watch the changes. And for heaven's sake, whatever kind of bugs you catch, don't hurt them. Observe and release.
DIY Butterfly or Bug-Catching Net
To make a bug-catching or butterfly net, you'll need a pole of some kind, strong wire, netting (see below), and duct tape. The pole should be something of an appropriate length and weight for your students. I really like the 3'-4' bamboo poles you can get at the garden store; they're light and seem sturdy. You could also use lengths of dowel, strong sticks, sections of a broom handle, lengths of PVC pipe, or even rulers for smaller nets.
Next, you'll need netting. The obvious DIY choice is old pantyhose, but the problem is finding pieces large enough. A better choice is cheesecloth or that material they use in bridal veils - tulle. Both are pretty cheap and easy to obtain. In a pinch you could really use almost any thin fabric.
To make each net, take a length of strong wire (a cut-up coat hanger works well) and bend it into a circle, with two prongs at each end to attach it to the pole. Place these prongs against the pole and affix them with duct tape. (If you're using bamboo or pipe, you can stick part of the prongs right into the pole before you apply tape.) Now, cut a circle of netting that's about an inch or so greater in diameter than the wire circle. It doesn't have to be perfect.
To attach the net you can go fast and easy or painstaking but better-looking. For fast and easy, just duct tape the edge of the net circle right around the wire loop. For slow but more professional, sew the netting on with strong thread. You may be tempted to use the slower method, but remember this is an item with will likely be dragged through dirt, weeds and mud puddles. I'd save the sewn version for older kids or for kids who will use the net to catch fish or frogs.
You can make a deeper net by using two rectangles of netting whose short lengths are about 5" longer than the wire loop's diameter. Sew or tape three sides of the rectangles together. Attach the open part to the loop. You could also use two long, thin triangles of netting.
Another option for making the net is to use an embroidery hoop. Separate the two parts and insert your netting. Put the parts back together and tighten the screw. Then use wire to attach the hoop to the pole.
Bug Catchers
Tube: You can just use cardboard tubes, or get some lengths of wide, clear plastic tubing at your local Home Depot-type store. (Ask for the plumbing or jacuzzi supplies section.) To use, gently push the bug into the tube and cover one end with each hand. Alternatively, take two lengths of tube. On each one, seal off one end with a binder clip. To keep bugs in this type you just hold the open ends together.
Cup: Tried and true! Give each kid a clear plastic cup and a square of cardstock. Scoop the bug into the cup with the cardstock and then put it on top to keep it inside. Great for spiders!
Bug sucker: Okay, I know some of you are going to cringe at this one, but it looks like a cool idea. Check it out here.
Cut bottle: Cut plastic bottles in half and keep the ends with the caps. Use cardstock circles or butter tub lids to capture the bugs, guide them into the bottle and keep them inside.
Bottle: Just give them empty plastic bottles and caps. Poke holes in the bottles first even if you're only keeping them in there for a few minutes. (When the kids put the covers on the bottles, heat can change the pressure inside them and quickly kill the insects. Please do not ask how I know this.)
Bug Holders
A temporary bug holder can be simple or fancy. All you really need is a closed, transparent container with small holes poked in it for air. Soda bottles work fine.
For something a little more long-term, cut a rectangle out of the side of a soda bottle and tape window screen material or netting over it. You could put soil and small plants inside it first.
I've yet to find a really good, cheap DIY ant farm idea. A few weeks ago, I was inspired to DIY my own gel ant farm, like this commercial one. I figured I could just use Jello - ants like sugar, right? I made some double-strength red Jello and poured it into a soda bottle. Poked some holes near the top and dropped in some ants (yes, from the same anthill). Result: total failure. Glad I only used a few ants, poor things. So if you've got a better idea for a DIY ant farm that's really cheap and lets the kids actually see the tunnels, please put it in the comments!
For More Information
Color Mixing Wands
Demonstrate basic primary color mixing for any age group with sturdy, inexpensive mixing wands or bottles.
We’ve all seen the project where you put oil and water with blue food coloring in a bottle to make “waves.” Oil and water don’t mix, of course, so the oil sits on top of the water and makes an interesting effect. It’s fun to look at and for older children can spark a conversation about liquid density. For the younger ones, though, wouldn’t it be nice to have two primary colors in that bottle, which when mixed would make one of the secondary colors?
Such a product does exist, but the price is a bit steep for what you get. I’ve discovered a cheap DIY alternative that can just as effective and attractive as the commercial tubes. Assuming you already have some basic ingredients and a little bit of creativity, you can make a nice set of color mixing tubes for less than $10.
Materials Needed:
- Three clear, waterproof, sealable plastic containers. Make sure they’re sturdy! Possibilities include tall and slender water bottles, aquarium lift tubes sealed with rubber chair leg caps, clear plastic tubing used for packaging various items, etc. Be creative! I went to my local Dollar Tree and found “bubble wands,” clear capped tubes with a bubble wand and solution inside. Their handles are even the right colors. Perfect!
-Light-colored cooking oil. I used “Pure Wesson Vegetable Oil” just because it was the lightest oil I could find. Whatever you have on hand is probably fine.
- Food coloring (red, yellow, blue)
- Candle-making dye (red and yellow). It might be possible to use crayons instead.
- Glue gun, aquarium sealer, Gorilla Glue, or some other waterproof glue
- Rubbing alcohol (optional)
How to do it:
1. First build your tube, if necessary. Clean it with hot water and, if you want, rinse with rubbing alcohol. If it has two open ends, seal one up and make sure it’s secure. Use lots of waterproof glue. Use more than you think you need, especially if the “wand” will be used by the children (as opposed to just being a demonstration item).
2. Put a few shavings (about a teaspoon) of yellow candle dye into a microwave-safe cup, and pour in the vegetable oil. Microwave this on high for 15-20 seconds. Stir well and repeat until the dye is completely dissolved. Add more if you want a more intense color. Let cool. Repeat to make some red oil. You’ll need about twice as much yellow as red.
3. Now prepare some blue and red water.
4. This step takes experimentation to find the right proportions to make good colors. For me, here’s what worked:
Orange: 2/3 yellow oil, 1/3 red water
Green: 1/3 yellow oil, 2/3 blue water
Purple: 1/3 red oil, 2/3 blue water
5. Pour your colored oil into the tube with the water. Leave a small pocket of air at the top to make mixing easier. The color from the oil shouldn’t migrate into the water, since candle dye isn’t water-soluble. Cover the open end of the tube and give it a good shake. You should get a decent green. If not, you may need to experiment with the intensity of the colors. Tip: don’t try to put food coloring in after you put oil in; it’ll just sit in globules within the oil. Instead, pour off the oil first.
6. When you’re satisfied, securely glue on the cover. Use lots of glue. Trust me, I speak from experience. Colored oil is not easy to get out of a carpet.
Variations
- If you can find small tubes with caps, like Steve Spangler Science’s “Baby Soda Bottles,” you could have each child make their own. (Or use mini water bottles.) Just prepare the colored oils beforehand.
- Try placing small objects in the tubes to see how they move through the liquids. Glitter would also be an interesting addition.
- You could use a large soda bottle to make a class-sized demonstration model. I wouldn’t give this to the students, though. Again, I speak from experience.
- To show the principles of separation, try using a dark-colored oil with plain water.
- Although alcohol is sometimes used in place of water in similar projects, be warned – it will pick up the candle dye’s color.
We’ve all seen the project where you put oil and water with blue food coloring in a bottle to make “waves.” Oil and water don’t mix, of course, so the oil sits on top of the water and makes an interesting effect. It’s fun to look at and for older children can spark a conversation about liquid density. For the younger ones, though, wouldn’t it be nice to have two primary colors in that bottle, which when mixed would make one of the secondary colors?
Such a product does exist, but the price is a bit steep for what you get. I’ve discovered a cheap DIY alternative that can just as effective and attractive as the commercial tubes. Assuming you already have some basic ingredients and a little bit of creativity, you can make a nice set of color mixing tubes for less than $10.
Materials Needed:
- Three clear, waterproof, sealable plastic containers. Make sure they’re sturdy! Possibilities include tall and slender water bottles, aquarium lift tubes sealed with rubber chair leg caps, clear plastic tubing used for packaging various items, etc. Be creative! I went to my local Dollar Tree and found “bubble wands,” clear capped tubes with a bubble wand and solution inside. Their handles are even the right colors. Perfect!
-Light-colored cooking oil. I used “Pure Wesson Vegetable Oil” just because it was the lightest oil I could find. Whatever you have on hand is probably fine.
- Food coloring (red, yellow, blue)
- Candle-making dye (red and yellow). It might be possible to use crayons instead.
- Glue gun, aquarium sealer, Gorilla Glue, or some other waterproof glue
- Rubbing alcohol (optional)
How to do it:
1. First build your tube, if necessary. Clean it with hot water and, if you want, rinse with rubbing alcohol. If it has two open ends, seal one up and make sure it’s secure. Use lots of waterproof glue. Use more than you think you need, especially if the “wand” will be used by the children (as opposed to just being a demonstration item).
2. Put a few shavings (about a teaspoon) of yellow candle dye into a microwave-safe cup, and pour in the vegetable oil. Microwave this on high for 15-20 seconds. Stir well and repeat until the dye is completely dissolved. Add more if you want a more intense color. Let cool. Repeat to make some red oil. You’ll need about twice as much yellow as red.
3. Now prepare some blue and red water.
4. This step takes experimentation to find the right proportions to make good colors. For me, here’s what worked:
Orange: 2/3 yellow oil, 1/3 red water
Green: 1/3 yellow oil, 2/3 blue water
Purple: 1/3 red oil, 2/3 blue water
5. Pour your colored oil into the tube with the water. Leave a small pocket of air at the top to make mixing easier. The color from the oil shouldn’t migrate into the water, since candle dye isn’t water-soluble. Cover the open end of the tube and give it a good shake. You should get a decent green. If not, you may need to experiment with the intensity of the colors. Tip: don’t try to put food coloring in after you put oil in; it’ll just sit in globules within the oil. Instead, pour off the oil first.
6. When you’re satisfied, securely glue on the cover. Use lots of glue. Trust me, I speak from experience. Colored oil is not easy to get out of a carpet.
Variations
- If you can find small tubes with caps, like Steve Spangler Science’s “Baby Soda Bottles,” you could have each child make their own. (Or use mini water bottles.) Just prepare the colored oils beforehand.
- Try placing small objects in the tubes to see how they move through the liquids. Glitter would also be an interesting addition.
- You could use a large soda bottle to make a class-sized demonstration model. I wouldn’t give this to the students, though. Again, I speak from experience.
- To show the principles of separation, try using a dark-colored oil with plain water.
- Although alcohol is sometimes used in place of water in similar projects, be warned – it will pick up the candle dye’s color.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)