Clay and Dough
Submitted
by:
Marissa
& Meredith
Jessica & Melissa
Michon, Jaime & Wendy
Activity 1: Clay Creations (back to top)
Age: Pre-K-3rd
Activity: Students create an animal or object with clay. It is their choice as to what to make. Students use recycled "junk" materials to add parts to it.
Materials: clay, toothpicks, pipe cleaners, nuts and bolts, screws, nails, buttons, straws, Popsicle sticks, paper clips, acorns, seashells, golf tees, etc.
Preparations/Safety Precautions: All "junk" items should be thoroughly cleaned and checked for sharp edges before children have access to them.
Standards in the Arts: #1 Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes; #3 Choosing and evaluating a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas
Activity 2: Baked Ornaments (back to top)
Age: Pre-K-3rd
Activity: Students create ornaments from play dough that can be painted, then baked for preservation. The student creates an ornament of their liking and decorates it, making sure to make a hole in the ornament so it can be strung. The teacher "bakes" the play dough until it's hard. When cool, the students can thread a ribbon through the whole, tie, and use as an ornament.
Materials: play dough, paint, paint brushes, sculpting tools, ribbon of various colors, oven
Preparations/Safety Precautions: The teacher should bake the ornaments and make sure they are completely cool before students handle them.
Standards in the Arts: #1 Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes; #3 Choosing and evaluating a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas
Activity 3: Plasticene Print (back to top)
Age: K-3rd
Activity: Students use clay tools and accessories to carve designs into a thin slab of plasticene. Let students carefully dip the carved piece in paint or use a stamp pad. Use the slab to press onto a clean paper, repeat to make a pattern.
Materials: Plasticene, paint, stamp pad, paper, clay tools (plastic knives, spoons, forks can be used)
Preparations/Safety Precautions: The tools should be age appropriate.
Standards in the Arts: #1 Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes; #2 Using knowledge of structures and functions
Activity 4: Clay numbers (back to top)
Age: K-3rd
Activity: Using the magnetic plastic numbers, or any other number shaped item that will make cut outs, students "cut out" numbers form the clay or play dough. Students can use these numbers to make number sentences.
Materials: clay, number cookie cutters, plastic magnetic numbers
Preparations/Safety Precautions: none
Standards in the Arts: #1 Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes; #6 Making connections between visual arts and other disciplines
Activity 5: Clay Letters (back to top)
Age: K-3rd
Activity: Using the magnetic plastic letters, or any other letter shaped item that will make cut outs, students "cut out" letters form the clay or play dough. Students can use these letters to make sentences, spell their names, sight words, etc.
Materials: clay, letter cookie cutters, plastic magnetic letters
Preparations/Safety Precautions: none
Standards in the Arts: #1 Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes; #6 Making connections between visual arts and other disciplines
Activity 6: Clay Letters and Numbers (back to top)
Age: K-3rd
Activity: Using a slab of play dough, students use sculpting tools to "carve" letters and numbers into the play dough, as a writing tablet.
Materials: clay, sculpting tools (real tools and/or toothpicks, plastic knives, unsharpened pencils, Popsicle sticks, fingertips
Preparations/Safety Precautions: Tools should be age appropriate
Standards in the Arts: #1 Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes; #6 Making connections between visual arts and other disciplines
Activity 7: Clay Overs (back to top)
Age: K-3rd
Activity: Students use clay or play dough as the add on parts to recycled junk materials. Students can shape clay into balls, or beads, and attach to a bigger object such as a juice can or box.
Materials: clay or play dough, recycled junk material (juice boxes, soda cans, sea shells, Popsicle sticks, tooth picks, acorns
Preparations/Safety Precautions: All "junk" items should be thoroughly cleaned and checked for sharp edges before children have access to them.
Standards in the Arts: #1 Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes; #3 Choosing and evaluating a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas
Activity 8: Edible Pretzel Clay (back to top)
Age: K-3rd
Activity: Students use recipe cards to help make this edible play dough (see materials for recipe). With the teacher's help, students make the dough. Each student receives a portion and shapes it into whatever they wish. Students sprinkle salt on their creations and place them on a baking sheet. Teacher places baking sheet in oven for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.
Materials: 1 package dry yeast dissolved in cold water, 3 ups flour, 1 teaspoon sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, water. Mix yeast mixture and flour. Slowly add about 1 more cup of flour until the mixture can be kneaded. Students knead dough on a floured countertop. Sculpt the pieces individually and let students sprinkle with kosher salt. Makes 20 small pretzels.
Preparations/Safety Precautions: The teacher should place the pretzels in the oven and take them out. Students should also be reminded about nutrition facts so that they do not consume too much sodium.
Standards in the Arts: #1 Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes; #3 Choosing and evaluating a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas
Activity 9: Silly Putty (back to top)
Age: K-3rd
Activity: Students use recipe cards to help make the silly putty (see materials for recipe). After it has been made, encourage students to use silly putty to transfer print (newspaper print work especially well). Model the use of silly putty for the students. Encourage children to write on the paper with a pencil and then lift off the print. Students can make patterns on their silly putty from things they write or draw.
Materials: Paper, newspaper, pencils, white liquid glue, liquid starch, food coloring. Mix equal parts glue and starch. Stir immediately. Add a few drops of food coloring. Knead until silly putty is soft and smooth.
Preparations/Safety Precautions: Students should be reminded that this is not edible.
Standards in the Arts: #1 Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes; #3 Choosing and evaluating a range of subject matter, symbols, and ideas
Activity 10: Clay characters (back to top)
Age: Pre-K-1st
Activity: After listening to a story with multiple characters (preferably animals or non-humans) students use clay or play dough to create the characters. Students can use simple tools (plastic knives, toothpicks) to help create their characters or merely use their hands. After each student makes a character, the class joins back together and reads the story again. Students are encouraged to lift their version of the character when it is mentioned in the story.
Materials: story books, clay or play dough, and tools
Preparations/Safety Precautions: tools should be age appropriate.
Standards in the Arts: #1 Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes; #6 Making connections between visual arts and other disciplines
Activity 11: Self Clay Portraits (back to top)
Age: K-3rd
Activity: Students use clay and tools to make portraits of themselves in the clay. Students first make a slab of clay, then while looking in a mirror, students use the tools to draw a picture of themselves into the clay. Bake-able clay could be used for preservation of this project.
Materials: hand mirrors, bake-able clay, clay tools
Preparations/Safety Precautions: tools should be age appropriate.
Standards in the Arts: #2 Using knowledge of structures and functions; #6 Making connections between visual arts and other disciplines
Activity 12: Animal Farm (back to top)
Age: Pre-K-1st
Activity: While studying farm animals, students make animals from multicolored clay to place on the "farm." The farm will be a small, designated area where students can place their animals. Construct a barn out of a cardboard box to add to the farm.
Materials: clay, farm area
Preparations/Safety Precautions: none
Standards in the Arts: #1 Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes; #6 Making connections between visual arts and other disciplines
Activity 13: Multicultural Beads (back to top)
Age: Pre-K-1st
Activity: Students will use multicolored baking clay to create beads by rolling small amounts of clay into small shapes (balls, tubes, irregular shapes) and then using a toothpick they will make a hole through their beads. Students will be exposed to pictures of various cultures' beading. They may choose the culture in which they are modeling. After baking, students will string their beads on a necklace.
Materials: baking clay, string, and toothpicks
Preparations/Safety Precautions: none
Standards in the Arts: #4 Understanding the visual arts in relation to history and cultures; #6 Making connections between visual arts and other disciplines
Activity 14: Play Dough Names (back to top)
Age: Pre-K-K
Activity: The teacher will write students' names on large pieces of oak tag, then laminate. Each student will have his or her own large nametag. Using play dough, they will trace their names. They can do this in a variety of ways: rolling the play dough into "snakes," rolling play dough into very small balls and linking them to make the letters, etc.
Materials: laminated name tags, play dough
Preparations/Safety Precautions: none
Standards in the Arts: #1 Understanding and applying media, techniques, and processes; #6 Making connections between visual arts and other disciplines
Activity 15: Doughy Earth (back to top)
Age: 2nd-3rd Grade
Activity: Students will be exposed to properties of the earth (ratio of water to land) using globes and other various methods. Students will be given blue and green dough. Let students take their time creating their own globes of their own fictitious planet. Let the dough harden or cook the dough for quicker results. After their "globes" have hardened, let children reexamine their planets and write a story about it.
Materials: globes (for models), blue hardening dough, green hardening dough
Recipe for dough: 1 1/2 cups salt, 4 cups flour, 1 1/2 cups water, 1 1/2 cups water - Mix together all ingredients and knead
Preparations/Safety Precautions: None
Standards in the Arts: #5 Reflecting upon and assessing the characteristics and merits of their work and the work of others; #6 Making connections between visual arts and other disciplines
Activity 16: Clay Christmas Ornaments (back to top)
Age: Pre-K - 3rd
Activity: Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Place the dough on a table or flat surface and press cookie cutters in the dough. Gently peel the excess dough away from the design in the dough and place it on the pan. Grease pan with butter before placing any ornaments on it so they do not stick to the pan. After all the ornaments are made take a pencil or straw and poke a hole in the top of the ornament so it can hung on the tree. Let dry for several days or put in an oven on 345 for about 8 minutes. If desired after baking in the oven use polyurethane to spray on the ornament to keep them together and to make them last longer. Wait one day after they have been baked and/or sprayed with polyurethane and then paint the ornaments. Feel free to add glitter for an extra sparkle. After the ornaments have been painted and have dried pick a colored ribbon and tie through the hole at the top and hang on the Christmas tree.
Materials: 1 cup cornstarch, 1pound of baking soda, 1 1/2 cups of water, stove, cookie cutters, fabric paint, glitter, bowl, spoon, oven safe flat pan, straw
Preparations/Safety Precautions: Make sure to do all the baking yourself. Small children should not use ovens!
Standards:
Visual Arts - Applications to Life
Standard 1: The student makes connections between the visual arts, other disciplines, and the real world. (VA.E.1.1)
1. Understands that people create art for various reasons and that everyday objects are designed by artists.
Math - Geometry and Spatial Sense
Standard 1: The student describes, draws, identifies, and analyzes two- and three-dimensional shapes. (MA.C.1.1)
1. Understands and describes the characteristics of basic two- and three-dimensional shapes.
Activity 17: How matter changes (when you combine to different forms) (back to top)
Age: K-3
Activity: Give each pair of students a sealed zip lock bag that contains 1 cup of flour, and 1/2 cup of salt. Instruct them not to open the bag. Invite students to describe what is in the bag. Ask them to describe how it feels, and looks. Ask children to develop a hypothesis on how the contents of the bag will change when water is added. Add 1/3 cup of colored water (red and green food coloring works nicely) to each bag. Seal bag and let students squeeze the bag until everything is mixed. Discuss how the contents in the bag changed. Let children remove play dough from the bag, divide it in half, and continue to mix it with their hands.
Materials: Zip lock bags, flour, salt, water, food coloring, newspaper, tape
Preparations/Safety Precautions: None
Standards:
Science - Force and Motion
Standard 2: The student understands that the types of force that act on an object and the effect of that force can be described, measured, and predicted. (SC.C.2.1)
1. Knows that one way to change how something is moving is to give it a push or a pull.
Science - The Nature of Matter
Standard 1: The student understands that all matter has observable, measurable properties. (SC.A.1.1)
2. Recognizes that the same material can exist in different states and motion.
Activity 18: Make A State Cookie (back to top)
Age: 3rd Grade
Activity: Students bake cookies following the recipe. Cream the butter and sugar. Beat eggs and add to milk. Sift baking powder with 3 cups flour. Combine mixtures and add vanilla. Then, add rest of sifted flour. (Only add more to make dough easy to handle.) Press into large ball. Chill for at least one hour. Roll dough out on floured board about 1/4" thick. Put patterns of state on top of rolled-out dough. Cut around them using a table knife. Put dough cutouts on cookie sheet. Place a raisin or baking candy where capital is located. Sprinkle lightly with sugar. Bake in preheated 375 degree oven for 8-10 minutes.
Materials: 1 cup butter, 2 cups sugar, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 4 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp vanilla, 4 cups flour (approximately), extra sugar for top of cookies, raisins, silver candies, and/or red hots for baking.
Preparations/Safety Precautions: Make sure children do not do the baking themselves. Ovens are not safe for young children!
Standards:
Social Studies - People, Places, and Environments (Geography)
Standard 1: The student understands the world in spatial terms. (SS.B.1.1)
1. Determines the absolute and relative location of people, places, and things.
2. Uses simple maps, globes, and other three dimensional models to identify and locate places.
Activity 19: Make a Neuron (back to top)
Age: 3rd Grade
Activity: Create a model of a neuron by using clay or play dough. Use pictures from books to give you an idea of where the components of a neuron should go and what shape they should be. Use different colors to indicate different structures. Make a neural circuit with a few of the neurons. Create sensory or motor systems.
Materials: Clay or play dough, picture or diagram of a neuron
Preparations/Safety Precautions: None
Standards:
Visual Arts - Skills and Techniques
Standard 1: The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes. (VA.A.1.1)
1. Uses two-dimensional and three-dimensional media, techniques, tools, and processes to depict works of art from personal experiences, observation, or imagination.
Science - The Nature of Matter
Standard 2: The student understands the basic principles of atom theory. (SC.A.2.1)
1. Recognizes that many things are made of smaller pieces, different amounts, and various shapes.
Activity 20: Dinosaur Treasure Eggs (back to top)
Age: Grade 2-3
Activity: Make replica dinosaur eggs to give the kids a hands on lesson in discovery and exploration of fossils. Shape handfuls of dough around the small plastic dinosaurs into egg shapes. Give these rocks up to 4 days to dry then you can let the kids discover them in the schoolyard and they can open them with a hammer or rock. They are great for discovery projects and lessons linked to dinosaurs.
Materials: 2 and 1/2 cups flour, 2 and 1/2 cups of Dirt, 1 cup sand, 1 and 1/2 cups of salt, water, small plastic toy dinosaurs (available from toy stores), hammer
Preparations/Safety Precautions: Be very careful when having children handle hammers!
Standards:
Visual Arts - Skills and Techniques
Standard 1: The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes. (VA.A.1.1)
1. Uses two-dimensional and three-dimensional media, techniques, tools, and processes to depict works of art from personal experiences, observation, or imagination.
Science - The Nature of Science
Standard 3: The student understands that science, technology, and society are interwoven and interdependent. (SC.H.3.1)
1. Knows that scientists and technologists use a variety of tools (e.g., thermometers, magnifiers, rulers, and scales) to obtain information in more detail and to make the work easier.
Activity 21: Archeological "Dig" (back to top)
Age: K-3
Activity: The children could have an archaeological "dig" by burying some chicken bones in a shoebox of unset plaster of paris. When the mold sets the children can use dull instruments and wooden toy hammers to dig for the fossilized bones.
Materials: Plaster of Paris, shoeboxes, chicken bones, dull instruments, and toy hammers
Preparations/Safety Precautions: Make sure instruments are dull to prevent injury.
Standards:
Science - Processes that Shape the Earth
Standard 1: The student recognizes that processes in the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere interact to shape the Earth. (SC.D.1.1)
1. Recognizes that the solid materials making up the Earth come in all sizes, from boulders to grains of sand.
Science - The Nature of Science
Standard 3: The student understands that science, technology, and society are interwoven and interdependent. (SC.H.3.1)
1. Knows that scientists and technologists use a variety of tools (e.g., thermometers, magnifiers, rulers, and scales) to obtain information in more detail and to make the work easier.
Activity 22: Clay imprints (back to top)
Age: Grade 1-3
Activity: Children will learn how fossils help us learn about the Earth's past by making their own fossil using clay, plaster of Paris, and some sort of molding object such as a shell, leaf, bone, etc.
Materials: Plaster of Paris; shells, rocks, leaves, etc., for imprinting; a container and wooden spoon to mix the plaster; any of the numerous science or dinosaur books which give information about fossils; pictures of Paleontologists at work; a ball of clay and a piece of 6"x2" tag board per student.
Preparations/Safety Precautions:None
Standards:
Science - Processes that Shape the Earth
Standard 1: The student recognizes that processes in the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere interact to shape the Earth. (SC.D.1.1)
1. Recognizes that the solid materials making up the Earth come in all sizes, from boulders to grains of sand.
Science - The Nature of Science
Standard 1: The student uses the scientific processes and habits of mind to solve problems. (SC.H.1.1)
5. Uses the senses, tools, and instruments to obtain information from his or her surroundings.
Activity 23: Plaster casts of tree bark (back to top)
Age: Grade 2-3
Activity: Press the flattened clay hard into the bark of a tree. (Make sure that students push on the back of the clay as hard as they can.) Carefully peal the clay off the bark and roll the sides into a long U shape. Use pieces of poster board pinned into the clay to close off the ends to form a bowl. Mix plaster-of-Paris and pour into the bowl. Let it set. When hard remove clay. Have students group the casts according to similarities and explain why they grouped them the way they did. Have the students or groups exchange casts and see if they can locate the tree that the cast was made from.
Materials: Modeling clay, plaster-of-Paris, pieces of poster board, pins, an area with a variety of trees.
Preparations/Safety Precautions: Make sure no students place anything in their mouths!
Standards:
Science - Processes that Shape the Earth
Standard 1: The student recognizes that processes in the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere interact to shape the Earth. (SC.D.1.1)
1. recognizes that the solid materials making up the Earth come in all sizes, from boulders to grains of sand.
Science - The Nature of Science
Standard 1: The student uses the scientific processes and habits of mind to solve problems. (SC.H.1.1)
1. knows that in order to learn, it is important to observe the same things often and compare them.
Activity 24: Letter shapes (back to top)
Age: K-3
Activity: Have students mold letter shapes out of play dough. Older students can make whole words and/or phrases.
Materials: Play dough, pictures of letters
Preparations/Safety Precautions: None
Standards:
Visual Arts - Skills and Techniques
Standard 1: The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes. (VA.A.1.1)
1. Uses two-dimensional and three-dimensional media, techniques, tools, and processes to depict works of art from personal experiences, observation, or imagination.
Language Arts - Reading
Standard 1: The student uses the reading process effectively. (LA.A.1.1)
2. Identifies words and constructs meaning from text, illustrations, graphics, and charts using the strategies of phonics, word structure, and context clues.
Activity 25: Coiled Cups (back to top)
Age: Grade 2-3
Activity: Students will make coiled cups from long strips of rolled clay and a flat, circular bottom.
Materials: Clay, oven
Preparations/Safety Precautions: Only the teacher should handle the oven!
Standards:
Visual Arts - Applications to Life
Standard 1: The student makes connections between the visual arts, other disciplines, and the real world. (VA.E.1.1)
1. Understands that people create art for various reasons and that everyday objects are designed by artists.
Math - Geometry and Spatial Sense
Standard 1: The student describes, draws, identifies, and analyzes two- and three-dimensional shapes. (MA.C.1.1)
1. Understands and describes the characteristics of basic two- and three-dimensional shapes.
Activity 26: Surreal Animals (back to top)
Age: 3rd Grade
Activity: Seat students in a large circle with no table and a pound of clay each. Have them form an animal while holding it in their hands. They work by the analytical process where the parts are not attached, but the parts are pinched and pulled out of the lump of clay. Just as it starts to take form, the teacher asks them to pass it too the next person, who may change it any way they want to. Continue to rotate in this way until everyone has worked on every animal. At the end each student invents a word to name the animal or creature. The name is written on the clay. Glaze and fire.
Materials: Approximately 1 lb. of clay for each student.
Preparations/Safety Precautions: None
Standards:
Visual Arts - Aesthetic and Critical Analysis
Standard 1: The student assesses, evaluates, and responds to the characteristics of works of art. (VA.D.1.1)
2. Understands that works of art can be rendered realistically, symbolically, or abstractly.
Visual Arts - Skills and Techniques
Standard 1: The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes. (VA.A.1.1)
4. Uses good craftsmanship when producing works of art.
Activity 27: 3-D Clay Shapes (back to top)
Age: 1st-3rd Grade
Activity: Students choose a shape and build it into a 3-D version/ model using clay.
Materials: Clay; 3-D models of basic shapes, such as a can for a cylinder, a pyramid, a ball, etc.
Preparations/Safety Precautions: None
Standards:
Visual Arts - Skills and Techniques
Standard 1: The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes. (VA.A.1.1)
1. Uses two-dimensional and three-dimensional media, techniques, tools, and processes to depict works of art from personal experiences, observation, or imagination.
Visual Arts - Applications to Life
Standard 1: The student makes connections between the visual arts, other disciplines, and the real world. (VA.E.1.1)
1. Understands that people create art for various reasons and that everyday objects are designed by artists.
Activity 28: Making Volcanoes (back to top)
Age: 1st-3rd Grade
Activity: You can construct models of the different types of volcanoes (composite, cinder cone, and shield) using clay. Sheets of clay would represent lava flows and small balls of clay (or layers of sand) would represent fragmented lava or ash.
Materials: Clay of various colors, pictures and books on volcanoes
Preparations/Safety Precautions: None
Standards:
Visual Arts - Skills and Techniques
Standard 1: The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes. (VA.A.1.1)
1. Uses two-dimensional and three-dimensional media, techniques, tools, and processes to depict works of art from personal experiences, observation, or imagination.
Science - Processes that Shape the Earth
Standard 1: The student recognizes that processes in the lithosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere interact to shape the Earth. (SC.D.1.1)
1. recognizes that the solid materials making up the Earth come in all sizes, from boulders to grains of sand.
Activity 29: Add a little of this and give it some of that! (back to top)
Age: K-3rd
Activity: Provide each table with a bucket of play dough. Have each child take a clump and experiment with it individually or in groups. Tell each child to add different amounts of water to the play dough. Have them use different adjectives to describe what it feels like when water is added in different amounts. Have them observe the play dough over period of time without touching it or adding water and have them discuss what happens.
Materials: Several containers filled with homemade or store bought play-dough, cups of water
Preparations/Safety Precautions:
Standards:
Science- The Nature of Matter
Standard 1: The student understands that all matter has observable, measurable properties. (SC.A.1.1)
3. verifies that things can be done to materials to change some of their physical properties (e.g., cutting, heating, and freezing), but not all materials respond the same way (e.g., heating causes water to boil and sugar to melt).
Visual Arts- Skills and Techniques
Standard 1: The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes. (VA.A.1.1)
2. uses art materials and tools to develop basic processes and motor skills, in a safe and responsible manner.
Activity 30: Make a vase (back to top)
Age: 2nd-3rd Grade
Activity: Allow the children to experiment with fresh clay and create an object that resembles a vase. Demonstrate to the children how wet clay can be carved into with words or pictures. Collect the vases and allow them to dry for two days (preferably over the weekend). Once dry, allow the children to decorate the vases by chiseling into them with plastic knives. Have children discuss why they thing wet clay or dry clay was most effectively decorated, why the dry clay sometimes breaks, and ways to use clay for other purposes. Bake the clay pieces in the oven and give the children their creations.
Materials: Clay, plastic knives
Preparations/Safety Precautions: Only the teacher should use the oven!
Standards:
Science- The Nature of Matter
Standard 1: The student understands that all matter has observable, measurable properties. (SC.A.1.1)
3. verifies that things can be done to materials to change some of their physical properties (e.g., cutting, heating, and freezing), but not all materials respond the same way (e.g., heating causes water to boil and sugar to melt).
Visual Arts- Skills and Techniques
Standard 1: The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes. (VA.A.1.1)
1. uses two-dimensional and three-dimensional media, techniques, tools, and processes to depict works of art from personal experiences, observation, or imagination.
Activity 31: Plasticene Paint (back to top)
Age: Pre-K -1
Activity: Carve design in plasticene. Dip the plasticene in paint and press on paper. Repeat the process to form a pattern.
Materials: Plasticene; Paint; Plastic knife; Plastic pizza cutter; Cookie cutters; Paper; Newspaper; Painting smocks
Preparations/Safety Precautions: In order to avoid a mess it would be best to cover the table with newspaper before the activity. You should also have the children wear painting smocks and make sure that all the utensils are plastic.
Standards:
Sunshine State Standard (Visual Arts-Skills and Techniques): Standard 1 - The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes.
1. uses two-dimensional and three-dimensional media, techniques, tools, and processes to depict works of art from personal experiences, observation, or imagination.
Sunshine State Standard (Visual Arts-Skills and Techniques): Standard 1 - The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes.
3. distinguishes the differences within and among art materials, techniques,
processes, and organizational structures such as elements and principles of design.
Activity 32: Clay Numbers and Letters (back to top)
Age: Pre-K - 1
Activity: Make impressions or carve letters and numbers into clay. The children can spell out different words using the letters or do math problems with the numbers.
Materials: Clay; Magnetic letters and numbers; Plastic knife; Plastic pizza cutter; Rolling pin
Preparations/Safety Precautions: In order to avoid the clay sticking to the table you could have the children do all their work on placemats. Make sure all utensils are plastic.
Standards:
Sunshine State Standard (Visual Arts-Skills and Techniques): Standard 1 - The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes.
1. uses two-dimensional and three-dimensional media, techniques, tools, and processes to depict works of art from personal experiences, observation, or imagination.
Sunshine State Standard (Visual Arts-Skills and Techniques): Standard 1 - The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes.
2. uses art materials and tools to develop basic processes and motor skills, in a safe and responsible manner.
Activity 33: Clay Overs (back to top)
Age: Pre K - 1
Activity: The children will sculpt small pieces of clay. They will attach their pieces to a juice box to make a decoration.
Materials: Clay; juice boxes; rolling pins; plastic pizza cutters; plastic knives; cookie cutters
Preparations/Safety Precautions: In order to avoid the clay sticking to the table you could have the children do all their work on placemats. Make sure all utensils are plastic.
Standards:
Sunshine State Standard (Visual Arts-Skills and Techniques): Standard 1 - The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes.
3. distinguishes the differences within and among art materials, techniques,
processes, and organizational structures such as elements and principles of design.
Sunshine State Standard (Visual Arts-Applications to Life): Standard 1 - The student makes connections between the visual arts, other disciplines, and the real world.
1. understands that people create art for various reasons and that everyday objects are designed by artists.
Activity 34: Rainbow Stew (back to top)
Age: Pre K - 1
Activity: Before the activity the teacher will mix all the ingredients together to make different colored clay. During the activity the children will mix the clays together and experiment with colors.
Materials: 1 cup cornstarch; ¾ cup sugar; 4 cups water; primary food colors
Preparations/Safety Precautions: You may want to cover the table in newspaper and have the children wear paint smocks to avoid a mess.
Standards:
Sunshine State Standard (Visual Arts-Skills and Techniques): Standard 1 - The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes.
2. uses art materials and tools to develop basic processes and motor skills, in a safe and responsible manner.
Sunshine State Standard (Visual Arts-Skills and Techniques): Standard 1 - The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes.
3. distinguishes the differences within and among art materials, techniques,
processes, and organizational structures such as elements and principles of design.
Activity 35: Fake Snow Dough (back to top)
Age: Pre K -1
Activity: Before the activity the teacher will mix the ingredients together to make the snow dough. During the activity the students will experiment with the dough and gain an understanding of what snow might look and feel like.
Materials: 3 bars of ivory soap; 1 or 2 rolls of toilet paper; hot water
Preparations/Safety Precautions: You may want to cover the table in newspaper and have the children wear paint smocks to avoid a mess. You also have to instruct the children not to eat the dough or put it anywhere near their eyes.
Standards:
Sunshine State Standard (Visual Arts-Skills and Techniques): Standard 1 - The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes.
1. uses two-dimensional and three-dimensional media, techniques, tools, and processes to depict works of art from personal experiences, observation, or imagination.
Sunshine State Standard (Visual Arts-Skills and Techniques): Standard 1 - The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes.
2. distinguishes the differences within and among art materials, techniques,
processes, and organizational structures such as elements and principles of design.
Activity 36: Clay Creations (back to top)
Age: Pre-K -1
Activity: Using a variety of recycled junk materials, students can add them to the clay to make unique and creative pieces.
Materials: Clay; Toothpicks; Pipe cleaners; Buttons; Popsicle sticks; Seashells; Paper clips
Preparations/Safety Precautions: Set several balls of clay on plastic mats. Place all junk materials in the center of the table. Children can be as creative as they want.
Standards:
Sunshine State Standard (Visual Arts-Skills and Techniques): Standard 1 - The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes.
2. uses two-dimensional and three-dimensional media, techniques, tools, and processes to depict works of art from personal experiences, observation, or imagination.
Sunshine State Standard (Visual Arts-Skills and Techniques): Standard 1 - The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes.
4. distinguishes the differences within and among art materials, techniques,
processes, and organizational structures such as elements and principles of design.
Activity 37: Play-Dough (back to top)
Age: Pre-K -1
Activity: Students will mix all ingredients (except food coloring) in a large mixing bowl. Once dough is pliable, divide the dough into 4 equal parts. Use food coloring to color dough various colors. Store in a container with airtight lid.
Materials: 2 ½ cups of flour; ½ cup of salt; 1 tablespoon alum; 3 tablespoons cooking oil; 1 ½ cups hot water; Food coloring; Measuring cups; Measuring spoons; Large plastic spoons
Preparations/Safety Precautions: In order to avoid a mess it would be best to cover the table with newspaper before the activity. You should also have the children wear painting smocks. All materials and ingredients will be placed in the center of a table.
Standards:
Sunshine State Standard (Visual Arts-Skills and Techniques): Standard 1 - The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes.
3. uses two-dimensional and three-dimensional media, techniques, tools, and processes to depict works of art from personal experiences, observation, or imagination.
Sunshine State Standard (Visual Arts-Skills and Techniques): Standard 1 - The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes.
5. distinguishes the differences within and among art materials, techniques,
processes, and organizational structures such as elements and principles of design.
Activity 38: Edible Candy Clay (back to top)
Age: Pre-K -1
Activity: The students will mix all ingredients (except powdered sugar). Once incorporated add the powdered sugar and knead until smooth. Once clay is pliable, children can sculpt creations and then eat them.
Materials: 1/3 cup margarine; 1/3 cup light corn syrup; ¼ teaspoon of salt; 1 teaspoon vanilla or peppermint extract; 1-pound box powdered sugar; Food coloring; Measuring cups; Measuring spoons; Large plastic spoons
Preparations/Safety Precautions: In order to avoid a mess it would be best to cover the table with newspaper before the activity. You should also have the children wear painting smocks. All materials and ingredients will be placed in the center of a table.
Standards:
Sunshine State Standard (Visual Arts-Skills and Techniques): Standard 1 - The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes.
4. uses two-dimensional and three-dimensional media, techniques, tools, and processes to depict works of art from personal experiences, observation, or imagination.
Sunshine State Standard (Visual Arts-Skills and Techniques): Standard 1 - The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes.
6. distinguishes the differences within and among art materials, techniques,
processes, and organizational structures such as elements and principles of design.
Activity 39: Goop (back to top)
Age: Pre-K -1
Activity:The students will mix salt and 2/3 cup of water in a mixing bowl. It will then be placed in a pan and the teacher will cook the ingredients over the stove for 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and quickly add 1cup cornstarch and ½ cup cold water. Stir quickly. Students can then manipulate the goop.
Materials: 2 cups salt; 1 1/3 cups water; 1 cup cornstarch; Mixing bowl; Pan; Large mixing spoon
Preparations/Safety Precautions: In order to avoid a mess it would be best to cover the table with newspaper before the activity. You should also have the children wear painting smocks. All materials and ingredients will be placed in the center of a table.
Standards:
Sunshine State Standard (Visual Arts-Skills and Techniques): Standard 1 - The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes.
4. uses art materials and tools to develop basic processes and motor skills, in a safe and responsible manner.
Sunshine State Standard (Visual Arts-Skills and Techniques): Standard 1 - The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes.
5. distinguishes the differences within and among art materials, techniques,
processes, and organizational structures such as elements and principles of design.
Activity 40: Silly Putty (back to top)
Age: Pre-K -1
Activity: The students will mix equal parts of white liquid glue and liquid starch. Stir immediately. Add a few drops of food coloring. Knead until silly putty is soft and smooth. Store in a container with a lid.
Materials: White liquid glue; liquid starch; food coloring
Preparations/Safety Precautions: In order to avoid a mess it would be best to cover the table with newspaper before the activity. You should also have the children wear painting smocks. All materials and ingredients will be placed in the center of a table.
Standards:
Sunshine State Standard (Visual Arts-Skills and Techniques): Standard 1 - The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes.
5. uses two-dimensional and three-dimensional media, techniques, tools, and processes to depict works of art from personal experiences, observation, or imagination.
Sunshine State Standard (Visual Arts-Skills and Techniques): Standard 1 - The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes.
7. distinguishes the differences within and among art materials, techniques,
processes, and organizational structures such as elements and principles of design.
Activity 41: Newspaper impressions (back to top)
Age: Pre K - 1
Activity: The children will be able to use modeling clay to capture the print from a newspaper. The children will flatten the clay over the picture they would like to capture and slowly peel it off to reveal the impression.
Materials: Modeling clay; newspapers
Preparations/Safety Precautions: The children will need to have access to a variety of newspaper clippings to find the impressions they would like to make.
Standards:
Sunshine State Standard (Visual Arts-Applications to Life): Standard 1 - The student makes connections between the visual arts, other disciplines, and the real world.
6. understands that people create art for various reasons and that everyday objects are designed by artists.
Sunshine State Standard (Visual Arts-Skills and Techniques): Standard 1 - The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes.
6. uses two-dimensional and three-dimensional media, techniques, tools, and processes to depict works of art from personal experiences, observation, or imagination.
Activity 42: Baked Clay (back to top)
Age: Pre-K - 1
Activity: The children will be able to create anything they would like by modeling the clay. Once the children have the designs they like the clay will be baked until it hardens. Once it has hardened the children can paint the creations they have made.
Materials: Clay; Rolling pins; Plastic knives; Paint; Oven access; Cookie sheets; Paint brushes
Preparations/Safety Precautions: The teacher will be responsible for baking the clay as the children are not able to do this part of the activity.
Standards:
Sunshine State Standard (Visual Arts-Skills and Techniques): Standard 1 - The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes.
2. uses two-dimensional and three-dimensional media, techniques, tools, and processes to depict works of art from personal experiences, observation, or imagination.
Sunshine State Standard (Visual Arts-Skills and Techniques): Standard 1 - The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes.
4. uses art materials and tools to develop basic processes and motor skills, in a safe and responsible manner.
Activity 43: Edible peanut butter playdough (back to top)
Age: Pre-K -1
Activity: The children will create edible playdough and be able to use it as they would with regular playdough. Once the children have finished playing they may eat the piece they were working with.
Materials: Peanut butter; powdered milk; corn syrup; measuring cups; spoons; bowl; paper plates; hand sanitizer; cookie cutters
Preparations/Safety Precautions: The teacher must have the children use hand sanitizer before touching their dough. The children must also keep their dough on their paper plate and not share with others.
Standards:
Sunshine State Standard (Visual Arts-Skills and Techniques): Standard 1 - The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes.
7. uses two-dimensional and three-dimensional media, techniques, tools, and processes to depict works of art from personal experiences, observation, or imagination.
Sunshine State Standard (Visual Arts-Skills and Techniques): Standard 1 - The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes.
7. uses art materials and tools to develop basic processes and motor skills, in a safe and responsible manner.
Activity 44: Sparkling Salt Clay (back to top)
Age: Pre-K -1
Activity: The children will create their own sparkling clay by using rock salt. They will then be able to play with the clay that they made.
Materials: 1 cup cornstarch; 2 ½ cups cold water; 2 cups rock salt; Mixing bowl; Large mixing spoon; Rolling pin; Cookie cutters; Plastic knives; Plastic pizza slicers; Popsicle sticks
Preparations/Safety Precautions: The children may need assistance with mixing the dough.
Standards:
Sunshine State Standard (Visual Arts-Skills and Techniques): Standard 1 - The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes.
8. uses art materials and tools to develop basic processes and motor skills, in a safe and responsible manner.
Sunshine State Standard (Visual Arts-Skills and Techniques): Standard 1 - The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes.
9. distinguishes the differences within and among art materials, techniques,
processes, and organizational structures such as elements and principles of design.
Activity 45: Homemade Clay (back to top)
Age: Pre-K -1
Activity: The children will create clay that is similar to real artist's clay. The children will then be allowed to create designs using the clay.
Materials: 1 cup salt; 2 cups flour; 2 tbsp. vegetable oil; 1 cup water; red food coloring
Preparations/Safety Precautions: The teacher will need to assist with the food coloring. The children should also be encouraged to use the clay as an artist would to create unique designs.
Standards:
Sunshine State Standard (Visual Arts-Skills and Techniques): Standard 1 - The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes.
8. uses two-dimensional and three-dimensional media, techniques, tools, and processes to depict works of art from personal experiences, observation, or imagination.
Sunshine State Standard (Visual Arts-Skills and Techniques): Standard 1 - The student understands and applies media, techniques, and processes.
8. distinguishes the differences within and among art materials, techniques,
processes, and organizational structures such as elements and principles of design.