Downhill Racer

Why

Skiing and snowboarding are cool! Kids picture themselves flying downhill with mountains and athlete in perspective.


Steps

1. Being active in winter sports is one way to stay warm in cold weather.

2. There are several types of skiing. Most of us know Alpine skiing which is downhill skiing. Nordic skiing includes ski jumping and cross-country skiing. Snowboarding is the newest form of skiing using a board that is shaped similar to a skateboard.

3. Find out about some famous skiers and snowboarders. What does their equipment look like? Some participants ski off of ramps, others ski through forests, and snowboarders do tricks on halfpipes. Both skiers and snowboarders go through downhill slaloms. Check out a video or watch TV coverage to see athletes in each of these sports.

4. Using Crayola® Markers, draw yourself as a skier or snowboarder in action. To get the idea of mountains and downhill movement, draw your skier in perspective. Perspective drawing tricks your eye into seeing three-dimensional space on a flat piece of paper. Parts of the skier's body and equipment are drawn shorter and smaller to make it look farther away. What else can you add to your drawing to make it look like you are speeding down a mountain?

Safety Guidelines

Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project.

Related Crafts

Crafts

 

Supplies

crayola supplies
  • Markers
  • Construction Paper

Where & When

"My kids drew what spectators see---skiers going 87 mph (140 km/h) downhill. Vicarious thrills on ski jumps!"
Van O., dad of 7- and 10-year-olds.


Interesting Info

Skiing was originally used primarily for transportation, skiing evolved into a popular recreational and competitive activity during the 20th century.