While not "easy" (lesson would require some work on your part ahead of
time) - try handmade paper. Recycling is part of the middle school
science curriculum, but there is no reason why you couldn't do it with
lower grades. There are scads of simple things you can do with
handmade paper - the easiest would be to get some FREE window screen
from the hardware store (my local lumber/hardware store gave me lots
and lots over the years). Get some FREE large cans from the cafeteria.
Have other teachers help you collect blenders (I had some old ones I
used exclusively for handmade paper). Use old towels and/or blankets
for couche sheets (fibers will stick to towels and blankets - so also
get some heavy duty Pellon from the fabric store. Pellon is used for
interfacing. Do not get fusible kind).
Paper pulp is blended in the blenders - then poured over the window
screens that are cut larger than the top of the cans. There is a lot
you can do -- add plant fibers -- old jeans.... endless ideas. Paper
could be used for nature castings.....
You will also need plenty of sponges.
If you are indeed interested in this, I would be happy to help you
with a lesson plan. The lesson plan would then be submitted to
Incredible Art Department (with your name on it - not mine). Sadly, I
do have to say that in the past, I have spent hours on end helping
folks to write lesson plans that never have been submitted. I will no
longer write/spend the time unless you DO the lesson and submit it
(smile).
There is a paper making lesson on Incredible art Department that you can adapt.
And yes.... this is a lesson that parents can easily re-create at
home. They would enjoy it, too.
Sandy Bacon did a wonderful "archaeological" dig with her elementary
students (way back in 2003/04?). If you are interested in this
activity, let me know and I will contact her. I haven't seen her post
here in years.
Please contact me off list with your request for information (do not
post my email address to the list). My email address can be found
using properties or options (or whatever in your email program).
Regards,
Judy Decker
On Mon, Jan 12, 2009 at 9:12 AM, Heather wrote:
> My school is having a Science Night. I'm supposed to come up with a
> science-related art activity that would be good for multiple grade
> levels (K-5). I was thinking of showing some artwork inspired by
> looking in microscopes, and then having microscopes available and
> letting them draw. The problem with that, however, is that ideally the
> activity would be one that parents could re-create at home. I'm at a
> Title I school, so I seriously doubt many of the kids have access to
> microscopes outside of school. They probably don't have magnifying
> glasses, either.
>
> Does anyone have any ideas for what I could do?
>
> Heather in TX
