Flying Saucer Fling

crayola supplies

household supplies

Why

Kids will have fun creating their own unique flying saucers. Then let then soar into the universe.

Steps

  1. 1. Use Crayola® Markers to decorate the backs of two small paper plates. Make geometric grids, circles, lines, or any flying saucer design you wish. Fill in spaces with bright colors.
  2. 2. Draw a line of Crayola School Glue around the rim of one paper plate, then place the second paper plate face down onto it. Insert bits of ribbon into the wet glue between the plates if you wish. Dry.
  3. 3. Ask an adult to help find a large sidewalk or paved area to make a launch pad for your flying saucers with Crayola Sidewalk Chalk. Draw planets on the sidewalk. Give each planet a point value, with the numbers increasing as planets get farther away from the launch. Add stars and comets around the planets for a celestial look.
  4. 4. To play the game, players take turns standing on the launch pad to toss their flying saucers to the planets. Keep track of points for each landing. Use your math skills to calculate points.
  5. 5. For an added challenge, each player chooses an exact number of points to earn. Or landing on a star or comet could subtract points.

When & Where

"This is a favorite after-school activity. Kids draw planets on the playground and have Flying Saucer Fling tournaments."
- Kris Y., after-school program staff.

"Children made flying saucers as soon as they arrived at my granddaughter's birthday party. She opened gifts while the glue dried."
- Hester F., grandmother.

Interesting Info

Astronomers studying 51 Pegasi, a star 42 light-years from Earth, may have made the first discovery of a planet orbiting a sun-like star other than the Earth's sun.

Safety Guidelines

Adult Assistance is required for this arts & crafts project.

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

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.

© 2000 - 2006 Binney & Smith, Inc.