Conduct experiments with a variety of art materials and create take-aways to use as an act of kindness in this series for kids in 3rd-5th grade.
This class if free, including a Class Kit that can be picked up at the Library. Generously sponsored by Matt’s Makerspace.
I’m partnering with Mt. Lebanon Public Library again this month to offer Free Halloween themed programs for kids!
Create a pumpkin patch, making each unique with magical reactions
-heavy white cardstock or watercolor paper
-water cup
-paintbrush
-paper towels
-watercolors and/of food dye diluted with water
-drinking straw or eye dropper
-about 1 tbsp baking soda in a cup
-about 1 tbsp table salt in cup
-about 1/4 cup white vinegar in a cup
-washable markers
-aluminum foil
-plastic bubble wrap
-a damp paper towel
-black sharpie marker
-pencil
-scissors
-colored construction paper at least 8.5×11”
-glue stick, Elmer’s School Glue or adhesive squares
Design and construct the head of a dragon using drawing and collage methods
-white drawing, watercolor or cardstock paper
-black sharpie marker
-pencil
-washable markers
-paint brush
-water cup
-paper towels
-empty cereal box cut flat
-aluminum foil
-bubble wrap and/or other plastic texture pieces like scraps of plastic fencing
-glue stick
-scissors
-optional: additional embellishments like sequins, glitter, glitter glue, paper scraps
Our second virtual Mini Makers, presented by Mt. Lebanon Public Library, will be a live Zoom class! I will post a short video with tutorials in the next week so check back.
Required materials are listed below:
Puffy Paint Monsters
-washable markers
-aluminum foil
-spray bottle or damp paper towel
-watercolor paper or white cardstock
-shaving cream
-Elmer’s School Glue
-container for mixing
-spoon or popsicle stick for mixing
-spoon or paintbrush
-googly eyes, eyes drawn with Sharpie Marker or cut from magazines
-optional : glitter or sequence, yarn, tissue paper
Fairy scene
-Magazines (Home and Garden types are the best)
-Scissors
-Glue Stick
Watch my first Mini Makers Virtual Lesson on my YouTube channel here
If you want to create with me, check out the material lists per activity:
Bubbling Brew:
White distilled vinegar
Baking soda
Food coloring or liquid watercolor
Eye droppers (pipettes) or turkey baster
Shallow dish
Glass or plastic cups or an ice cube tray
Color Concoctions:
Clear glass or plastic containers
Water
Food coloring or liquid watercolor
Eye droppers (pipettes) or turkey baster
Shallow tray, plate or bin
Optional:
Water Beads
Glitter
Beads
Small plastic animals
Flower petals
Magic Flower Crown:
Washable Magic Markers
Coffee Filters
Paper Towels
Spray bottle
Water
Shallow Trays, plates or plastic table covering
A strip of card stock, cereal box or other heavy weight paper
Hole punch
Masking, packing, duct or aluminum foil tape
Scissors
Ribbon at least 1/2 inch wide
Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel and check back for additional videos!
School is out for our local schools so the Mt. Lebanon Public Library invited me to teach a program for grades 3 – 5. This program was 100% free for participants through Matt’s Maker Space. I created ArtLab so students could explore multiple printmaking/transfer methods in a short period of time. We discussed the scientific method and tested our theories throughout our class.
Groups rotated through three stations; watercolor experiments, marker transfers and shaving cream paper marbling. Groups spent about 10 minutes making in each space, completing one or two experiments each.
In watercolor, students tested solvency and fluid paths. Our tools were Dick Blick Liquid watercolor, brushes, spray bottles, water droppers, and oil pastels.
In marker transfers, students drew an abstract design with markers on aluminum foil. When the drawing was complete, they spritzed the foil with water and smoothed watercolor paper on top.
In paper marbling, students spread a layer of shaving cream on boards and used eye droppers to apply liquid watercolor. Using a popsicle stick, students connected the color droplets with varied lines. After placing watercolor paper on top, students squeegeed the shaving cream from the paper, revealing its design.
After a quick clean-up, I demoed radial designs and students created relief blocks with 2″ styrofoam plates. We printed with black block ink on colorful paper, which became the covers for their bound experiments.
I love mixing art and science in my lessons. So many tenants cross these disciplines and both cultivate inquiry, curiosity, exploration and confidence in learners of all levels.
I’ll be back at the Mt. Lebanon Public Library later this month for an adult watercolor class and early next month for an adult/child class for ages 2 – 5.
Jena Schieb 