Metallic Galactic Mobile
Creative writing goes intergalactic with imaginary planet mobiles and fictional adventures in a new galaxy.
1. Imagine that you discover several new planets in this or another galaxy. Gather several round, flat objects with different circumferences, or use a drawing compass. For each imaginary planet, trace three identical circles on white construction paper with Crayola® Colored Pencils. Cut out circles with Crayola Scissors.
2. Use gel markers to design unique planetary atmospheres, making the three circles for each planet similar. Design colorful cloud formations and interesting continent configurations. Use Crayola Washable Glitter Glue to add atmospheric effects and reflections from suns. Dry.
3. For each planet, fold all three circles in half. Attach a long piece of yarn to the back of the fold on one circle with Crayola School Glue. Glue the back side of halves to each other so that all three circles are glued together in a three-dimensional formation, with the yarn coming out of the top of the planet.
4. Design a space ship using the same technique. Cut out three symmetrical and identical space ship shapes. Design the ship with metallic crayons, fold, attach string, then glue all three pieces together.
5. Measure and cut construction paper to fit around a long recycled cardboard tube. Write the name of your galaxy in large metallic letters on the paper. Glue to the tube. Tie planets onto tube. Hang mobile from the ceiling with additional yarn.
6. Write a story with Crayola Colored Pencils about how you discovered each planet. Make sure your story has a beginning, middle, and end.
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.
Glitter Glue—
WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—Small parts. Not for children under 3 years. Not for use on skin.
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.
- For an interesting story format, fold writing paper into thirds. In the top section write about your arrival on one of your planets, including details about the landing and your first impressions. In the middle section write about an important discovery you made there, such as a new color and what you decided to name it. In the bottom section conclude by telling why and how you left the planet.
- Everyone in the class thinks up possibilities for beginnings, middles, and ends for student writing. Think of different ways a space ship could land. Imagine various elements for the setting. List things that could be discovered on the planets. Think of different circumstances that would make travelers leave.
- Do a story round, with different students writing each section of the story. Read them aloud to each other.
- Younger children and those with special needs may need assistance when writing stories. Invite older students or classroom volunteers to assist in transcribing children's ideas for them. Students add symbolic pictures around transcribed stories with colored pencils.
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