Beyond Black Holes
What’s at the center of a galaxy? A black hole! Look WAY beyond a black hole by creating a vivid galaxy and observation tube with Crayola Twistables.
1. Discover space! Research the universe, including the Milky Way and other galaxies. Find out more about black holes and other interesting phenomena in space. You could also experiment with how gravity bends and focuses light with a magnifying glass.
2. Create a galaxy. Cut out a large galaxy on posterboard with Crayola® Scissors. Draw and color six or seven concentric rings on both sides of your galaxy with Crayola Twistables. The firmer you press, the brighter your colors will be. Glue black yarn around each ring, separating the colors. Use a cotton swab and Crayola School Glue. Air-dry the glue.
3. Draw and color stars on white construction paper. Cut them out and glue them on both sides of your galaxy.
4. Design an observation tube. Glue on black construction paper to cover a recycled cardboard tube. Cut a strip of white paper with scissors. Color it and glue it around the tube.
5. Slightly flatten the tube. In the center of the galaxy, trace around one end of the tube. Cut out the opening with scissors. Insert the tube through the hole. Punch a hole at the top of the galaxy. Tie yarn through the hole to form a hanger.
6. Present an oral report to the class using your galaxy to talk about black holes and beyond.
Adult supervision is required for any arts & crafts project. Observe children closely and intervene as necessary to prevent potential safety problems and ensure appropriate use of arts and crafts materials. Some craft items, particularly beads and buttons, are potential choking hazards for young children. Avoid use of such small parts with children younger than 3 years. Craft items such as scissors, push pins and chenille sticks may have sharp points or edges. Avoid use of materials with sharp points by children younger than 4 years. Read all manufacturers' safety warnings before using arts and craft supplies.
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.
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.
- Use an array of photographs and diagrams to learn about parts of the universe. Students with special needs may need assistance to cut out the center hole and glue on the black yarn.
- Older students research how Einstein’s theory of relativity relates to black holes. Investigate the black hole named after him, the Einstein Cross.
- Research the history of the universe, gathering theories, folktales from various cultures, and facts about its origins.
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