Inuit Snow Goggles

crayola supplies

Twistables®
Pointed Tip Scissors

household supplies

hole punch
rubber bands
recycled gift wrap or paper towel roll

Why

The Inuit protected their eyes from the glaring Arctic sun with caribou-antler snow goggles! Make your own with recycled cardboard rolls.

Steps

1. Ever been outside in the snow on a sunny day? The sunlight bouncing off the snow is very bright and makes it difficult to see. Before sunglasses were invented, the Inuit—who live in Arctic areas of Siberia, Alaska, Canada, and Greenland—protected themselves from sun blindness with snow goggles made from caribou antlers. Narrow slits enable the wearer to see out but shade the eyes from glaring brightness.
2. To make a replica of Inuit snow goggles, flatten a recycled cardboard roll. Ask an adult to use Crayola® Twistables™ to mark where your eyes and nose are located as you hold it up to your face. Draw narrow rectangular slits for your eyes and a notch for your nose. Cut out the marked areas with Crayola Scissors.
3. Punch a hole on both ends of your goggles. Choose two rubber bands that are long enough to go around your ears comfortably. Thread rubber bands through holes and then themselves to attach them to the goggles.
4. Decorate your Inuit snow goggles with Twistables. Find Inuit designs if possible.

When & Where

"Making snow goggles is an ideal activity for students who come to see our exhibit about the Inuit culture."
- Mason R., museum docent.

"We made this project at my son's Wild Winter birthday party. Kids hunted for Arctic treasures outdoors."
- Ingrid B., mom of 6- and 8-year-olds.

Interesting Info

The name Eskimo was given to the Inuit by the Algonquin people. It means "eater of raw meat." Inuit means people or human beings and is what the Inuit call themselves.

Safety Guidelines

Costumes & Masks— CAUTION: When children wear hand-crafted costumes and masks, make sure the crafts do not obstruct the child’s vision, hearing, or impede movement. Do not use feathers, fabric, or raffia on wearable costumes and masks because these items do not pass costume flammability tests. Wearable masks are those held in place on the face with elastic, yarn, or other materials. Keep away from open flames.

Recycled Cardboard Tubes—Use paper towel tubes, gift-wrap tubes, or long cardboard tubes that can be cut to any length. Health professionals caution against using recycled toilet paper tubes for arts & crafts projects because of the potential fecal contamination.

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.