Outer Space Circus

Why

Imagine circus feats on other planets. Research gravitational, surface, and atmospheric conditions.


Steps

1. Find information about weightlessness, temperatures, and other characteristics of different locations in outer space. Imagine how these would affect imaginary circus performers' actions, clothing, and appearances. Choose a planet, moon, or other location to create an outer space circus sculpture.


2. Experiment with creating different color effects using Crayola® Model Magic.

  • Blend white and colored compound to create tints, or mix colors and black to make shades.
  • Blend two primary colors (red, yellow, blue) together to produce a secondary hue (orange, green, violet).
  • Create a marble effect by incompletely blending different colors.
  • For multi-colored layers, flatten two or more pieces of Model Magic by hand or with a rolling pin or dowel stick. Stack the pieces flat on top of each other and roll tightly like a cinnamon roll. Cut segments with Crayola Scissors. Connect pieces to make forms.
  • Roll out three 1/2-inch or larger coils (rope-like strands) about 1 foot long. Pinch three ends together. Braid. Roll into a longer coil if desired.


    3. Explore Model Magic construction methods using these techniques.

  • Sculpt basic forms with fingers. Press pieces firmly together to attach.
  • Add support (armatures) to long, thin forms by molding the Model Magic around drinking straws, coffee stirrers, or toothpicks.
  • Create appendages and details with modeling tools such as plastic knives. Press onto basic forms.
  • Cut or press textures into the Model Magic after it has stiffened slightly.


    4. Add sparkle to the circus performers by pressing glittering chenille sticks or sequins onto the sculpture, or by adding Crayola Washable Glitter Glue.


    Safety Guidelines

    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.

    Crayola Modeling Materials including Crayola Model Magic®, and Model Magic Fusion™, Crayola Air-Dry Clay, and Crayola Dough—

    • Keep away from open flames. Do not use to make candleholders, hot plates, trivets, or other similar objects that will be used or placed near fire and other heat sources.
    • Do not put in an oven, microwave, or kiln.
    • Do not make into vessels/containers that will hold unpackaged food.
    • The use of modeling material to make items that look like food is discouraged for children younger than age 5 to avoid their confusion with real food.
    • Unless sealed with a water-resistant glaze, do not make projects exposed to or immersed in water, such as boats or outdoor bird feeders. They would disintegrate when exposed to moisture.
    • Crayola Dough—contains gluten (wheat flour) as an ingredient.
    • Crayola Air-Dry Clay, Crayola Model Magic and Model Magic Fusion are gluten-free. However, they are produced on the same machinery as Crayola Dough which does contain gluten. Although the machines are cleaned prior to the start of each production run, there is a slight possibility that trace amounts of gluten from Crayola Dough may be present in the other modeling compound products. For information regarding specific ingredients or allergic concerns, please call our Consumer Affairs department at 1-800-272-9652 weekdays between 9 AM and 4 PM Eastern Standard Time.

    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.

    Wood—By its nature, wood is rough and may contain splinters or sharp points

    Adaptations

    • Write, design, and illustrate posters or newspaper ads for the circus performance. Make sure all important details are included such as act names, places, dates, cost of admission, and descriptions of the circus acts.
    • Younger children, or those for whom outer-space concepts are difficult to grasp, might design Earth-bound circus acts.
    • Prepare a display of all the performers, posters, and ads for an open house, either within the school or for the community. Be sure a master of ceremonies announces each act.
    • Younger children and those with special needs may benefit from short practice sessions experimenting with modeling techniques.

    Related Lesson Plans

  • Lesson Plans

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    Supplies

    crayola supplies
    • Model Magic®
    • Glitter Glue
    • Pointed Tip Scissors
    household supplies
    • plastic coffee stirrers
    • modeling tools
    • rolling pin (optional)
    • chenille sticks (optional)
    • dowel stick (optional)
    • sequins (optional)
    • plastic drinking straws (optional)
    • toothpicks - wooden (optional)

    Overview

    grades

    • Grades 1 to 3
    • Grades 4 to 6
    • Special Needs

    subjects

    • Language Arts
    • Science
    • Visual Arts

    time

    • 30 to 60 minutes
    • Multiple Sessions

    benefits

    • Students do research in books and on the Internet about conditions in outer space.

    • Children predict how these conditions might affect imaginary circus performers.

    • Students apply their knowledge by creating a sculpture of space circus acts using various color mixing and sculpture techniques.

    Cirriculum

    Research Canada Standards
    Research UK Standards
    Research U.S. Standards