Wild March Wind Wheels

crayola supplies

household supplies

Why

March is one of the windiest months of the year. Turn your cool Crayola Color Explosion designs into Wild March Wind Wheels that spin with the slightest breeze.

Steps

  1. 1. Use Crayola Scissors to cut Crayola Color Explosion Paper into an 8-inch (20cm) square.
  2. 2. Use a Crayola Colored Pencil to draw an X from corner to corner on the back of the Color Explosion square. Use a ruler to draw straight lines that cross at the exact center of the square.
  3. 3. Cut along the colored pencil lines from each corner about 2/3 of the way toward the center.
  4. 4. Use the Crayola Cutter to cut a small circle where the two lines intersect in the center of the square. Or ask an adult to poke a pencil through to make a center hole.
  5. 5. Place the square white-side-up. Use the Crayola Cutter (or use a hole punch) to make a hole in the right corner of each side of the square.
  6. 6. Turn the square over. Design the black side of the Color Explosion paper with a Color Explosion marker.
  7. 7. Tie a bead on the end of a piece of string. Thread the string through the middle hole, through the black side of the paper. Pull the string all the way through until the bead holds outside the hole.
  8. 8. Next thread the string through each of the flaps. Each time go in the white side and out the black side, bringing the string back over the edge to go into the next hole to the right.
  9. 9. When the string is through all four holes, pull tight to make a pinwheel. Thread another bead onto the string to keep the pinwheel in place. Tie a large knot on the other side of the bead to keep it all together.
  10. 10. Experiment by stringing different paper shapes above the Wind Wheel to see how they move in the wind. Use your own ideas or try this: • Punch a hole at each end of a long strip of Color Explosion paper. String and tie a bead anchor through one hole then string the strip. String on another bead to bend the strip and anchor it. Tie knots to keep it all together.

When & Where

"This was a fun way to incorporate art into our study of wind and weather. I was amazed at the creativity this project inspired in my children. They made several Wind Wheels with a variety of spinning inventions on each one. "
- Amanda J., home educator with three daughters

"This was the perfect decoration for the children to make for our teacher appreciation event! It required very few materials, but made a big impact. They looked great hanging around the room, plus the kids had so much fun making them. "
- Sonya N., and Sara A., PTA event coordinators

Interesting Info

The atmosphere moves the earth's temperatures from one place to another creating wind.

Safety Guidelines

Adult Assistance is required for this arts & crafts project.

Color Explosion™ Black—Wash hands well with soap and water after use.

Outdoor Crafts—Choose safe outdoor areas, away from traffic and dangerous equipment. Close adult supervision is required.

Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.

String-Like Materials—Includes string, raffia, lacing, yarn, ribbon, and other similar material. Children 3 years and younger should not be given any string-like material that is longer than 12 inches. Close adult supervision is essential whenever children use string-like material. When crafts are to be worn around the necks of children 8 years and younger, attach the ends of the “string-like material” with clear adhesive tape, which allows easy release of the bond if the craft becomes entangled or caught on equipment. For children older than 8 years, the ends of the “string-like material” may be tied and knotted.

Windows—Be sure windows are securely closed and locked before decorating. An adult must closely supervise the activity.

© 2000 - 2006 Binney & Smith, Inc.