SCULPT-A-PLANET
Grade: 3+
Age: 8+
The earth is a planet, the stars are like suns,
With streaks of bright light, the milky way runs.
From the moon to Saturn the big sky unfolds,
to let us all in on the secrets it holds.
What better way to honor the skies,
then to make our own planet that's nice on the eyes.
Objectives:
Identification:
- Students will learn about the moon and the planets.
Creation:
- Students will create a moon or planet sculpture.
Appreciation:
- Students will learn to appreciate the art created not only by them, but by others as well.
What You Need:
- Round balloons.
- Cardboard pieces
- Newspaper
- Glue
- Wallpaper paste & water
- Containers for the wallpaper paste
- Water-based paint.
- Paintbrushes, water, water containers and a newspaper covered work area.
What You Do:
- First mix up a batch of paper mache mix. Do this by mixing wallpaper paste and water to the consistency of thick cream. (Instructions can be found on the wallpaper paste package).
- Add a touch of glue to make the paste nice and sticky.
- Tear newspaper or newsprint into small manageable pieces.
- Cover the balloon with about 4 or 5 layers of newspaper or newsprint pieces dipped in the wallpaper paste.
- Let the balloon dry somewhat between layers.
- When dry, paint the paper mache balloon to look like the earth, the sun, the moon, saturn or whichever planet you choose.
- Create a base for the planet using two pieces of corrugated cardboard as shown in the diagram.
Simplify:
For younger kinderartists, you could create the earth by cutting out the shapes of the continents and gluing them onto the balloon. Use markers and crayons to add further details.
Recommended Books from Amazon.com:
Looking at the Planets : A Book About the Solar System/With a Glow in the Dark Planet Mobile
by Melvin Berger
Realistic illustrations give young space buffs a comprehensive look at our solar system with a few basic facts about each planet.
Can You Find a Planet?
by Sidney Rosen
Discusses in question and answer format the planets in our solar system and explains which planets and stars can be seen from Earth in the night sky.
Recommended Products:
Resources:
Moon
Here you are directed to sites on exploration, phases and eclipses, the building of Apollo, the Apollo missions, the lunar gallery, lunar features and discoveries. From Gander Academy's Theme-Related Resources.
NASA CERES Project
Closely aligned with the NRC National Science Education Standards, these web based lessons make maximum use of exciting on-line NASA resources.
Solar System
From Gander Academy's Theme-Related Resources. Here you are directed to sites on the solar system, the sun, the planets, planetary moons, asteriods, comets and meteors.
Space Theme
From Gander Academy's Theme-Related Resources. Here you are directed to sites on Mars, space shuttle, exploring space, space agencies, astronomy and comets.
StarChild
A learning center for young astronomers which connects NASA to your classroom.
KinderArt® Lesson/Activity