I Spy Everything

crayola supplies

Markers
Twistables®
Blunt-Tip Scissors

household supplies

yarn
plastic wrap
clear adhesive tape
recycled gift wrap or paper towel roll

Why

Kids love to explore and discover new things in their everyday surroundings. Their very own spyglass is the perfect tool for taking a close look at new treasures, both real and imaginary!

Steps

1. Find three cardboard tubes with three different diameters, so that each tube fits inside the next biggest size. If you need a smaller diameter, cut down the length of the tube with Crayola® Scissors, then tighten the roll and tape it securely. Cut the tubes into three lengths, from widest and longest to narrowest and shortest.
2. Cut two strands of yarn as long as your longest tube. Cut two more yarn strands as long as your medium tube. Attach the long strands with tape to the ends of the long and medium tubes. Attach the shorter strands to the medium and short tubes. (See the illustration.)
3. Slip the untaped end of the short tube in the medium tube. Slip these tubes, untaped end first, into the long tube. Pull the tubes all the way through each other so you don't see the yarn.
4. Tape a small piece of plastic wrap around the open end of the large tube.
5. Decorate your spyglass with Crayola Washable Markers and Twistables Crayons. Wide black stripes could be used to complete each end.

When & Where

"This gave us a more fun way to play my child's favorite game, I Spy."
- Isabelle C., mom of 5-year-old.

"I needed an inexpensive and safe prop for our play about famous explorers. Thanks!"
- Darlene G., family child care provider.

"The kids had fun making their telescopes at my son's pirate theme birthday party."
- Dharmaraj T., dad of 4-year-old.

Interesting Info

The Hubble Space Telescope has been in space since April 1990, and is considered one the greatest scientific instruments built. It can "see" ten times better than any previous telescope, but almost failed because of a flaw in its mirrors. Astronauts aboard the space shuttle Endeavour fixed the $1.5 billion Hubble and it now helps us learn even more about space.

Safety Guidelines

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.