Cut-Out Continents Mobile
Float from Africa to Asia from Antarctica to the Americas. Explore major lakes and mountain regions from a satellite view. See the world in a new way!
1. In small groups, explore the seven continents on Earth. Find satellite views of each continent. Locate major lakes and mountain ranges, coastal regions, and boundaries. Gather information about other major features on each continent, such as peninsulas, glaciers, deserts, and rain forests.
2. Continents are usually presented on globes and maps. How might your group display the continents and their major features in a new way? Try a mobile! Here’s one way to make one.
3. Outline the shape of each landmass using Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils on patterned paper, making continents to scale. Include details such as inlets, bays, peninsulas, and capes along the coastlines. Mark major lakes, mountain ranges, and other major features.
4. Use the Crayola Cutter according to package directions. Carefully cut around the outline of each continent. Choose the two or three most prominent major features, such as lakes and mountain ranges. Use the Cutter to make interior cuts around them. Cut small pieces of contrasting-colored paper to place behind your cut-outs. Use a Crayola Glue Stick to attach the papers. If you wish, add another layer of continent-shaped paper on the back to reinforce your continents.
5. To make a mobile base, cut patterned paper to fit around a cardboard tube. Use a stencil that came with the Cutter or in the Cutter School Project Kit to title your mobile. You might choose CONTINENTS or THE WORLD. Or cut out free-form letters for your title. Interior cuts are easy to make with the Cutter! Attach contrasting paper on the back side of the cut-out words to make the letters stand out.
6. Wrap the title around the cardboard tube and glue. Use varying lengths of ribbon, yarn, or string to attach to each continent to the mobile base. Arrange the continents so they hang at different lengths. You’re ready to display your mobile!
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.
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.
- Record facts about each continent to capture student voices. Play recordings in the mobile display area. This is a great way to provide students with written language challenges an opportunity to share what they know.
- Plot major volcanoes on the continents. Twist bits of Model Magic into tiny cone-shaped volcanoes. Glue them in place.
- Assessment: Evaluate student work for correct placement and identification of major landforms. Conduct informal interviews with each small group to assess cooperative efforts and mastery of subject matter.
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