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Welcome to the final fall edition of "Fun Space Experiments for Kids". So far, all of our experiments have been pretty practical. From to solar cooking to vacuum sealing, we've learned how astronauts survive in outer space. So how about exercising the creative side of your junior astronaut's brain? Here are two arts and crafts "experiments" that have a scientific basis.
Experiment 1: Solar System Artwork
For this project, you need to collect "junk" of all different sizes. Mostly, you'll need rounded items such as caps from soda bottles, lids from peanut butter jars, aluminum pie pans, and yogurt container lids . Make sure that you have a wide assortment of items for your junior astronauts to choose from. Also, have some card stock or other thick paper on hand so that the kids can make cut-outs if necessary. It doesn't matter what color or condition things are in. The "junk" will be removed from the project prior to completion.
For this artistic experiment, you will also need rolls of tape and a piece of white poster board for each child. Foam board works best because it is especially thick . You'll also need cans of spray paint in a large assortment of colors and shades. Make sure that you have several cans of black spray-paint on hand. You'll need them.
This is a multi-day project. On Day 1, take the colored spray-paint and the poster board outside. Let the kids go "crazy", painting their boards with assortments of colors and patterns. Your junior astronauts can leave some areas white, swirl different colors together, and be as imaginative as possible.
On Day 2, have the children use random pieces of "junk" to cover parts of the board. These covered areas will represent the Sun, the eight planets, the rings around Saturn, the asteroid belt, etc. As the children perform this step, have them align different areas of color with appropriate solar system elements. For example, a yellow area can be the Sun, a reddish area can be Mars, etc.
Attach the solar system elements to the foam board by applying rolled pieces of tape. When each child has designed an entire solar system, take the boards outside and spray paint the entire thing (including the covered parts) black. On Day 3, remove the pieces of "junk" to reveal the colors of the shining solar system below!
Experiment 2: Patterns:
For this project, each child needs 4 or 5 small pieces of Plexiglas or thick plastic. These materials can be found at most craft stores. Buy plastic that is approximately 2 inches square, or cut the materials down to size. Drill a hole in the corner of each plastic piece if your junior astronauts would like to turn their patterns into artwork or key chains when their project is complete.
For this artistic experiment, you'll also need plain, white toothpaste (travel-size tubes work best for younger children) and paint and toothpicks. Start by having the children place a small dab of toothpaste in the center of one square. Then place another square on top. Press both squares together firmly, and then pull the two pieces straight apart. The suction will be tight at first, but make sure the children don't twist the pieces. Otherwise, the pattern will smudge.
After the kids pull the pieces apart, have them look at the interesting patterns that are formed. Wash the plastic pieces and try again until you get the hang of how much toothpaste to use and how to pull the plastic pieces apart. Once you master these techniques, use the toothpicks to add drops of paint instead of dabs of toothpaste to one piece of plastic. Don't wait too long, or the paint will dry and won't work.
When you create a pattern that you like, set it aside and wash the other plastic piece. Continue this process until you have designs and patterns for all of the squares. Finally, set the squares aside to dry. By threading a string or key chain ring through the corner hole, the children can turn their artwork into key chains or window hangings.
These two experiments prove that science and art can work together! They also complete CR4's "Fun Experiments for Kids." I hope that you and your child have had some fun times. Be sure to check out units 1, 2, and 3 if you missed them before! And check back in the spring for more cool aerospace experiments.
CR4 Aerospace Blog
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