Lesson 3 - Create
The Grown-Up Scoop
Crafts are a great way to explore a book in a hands-on and creative way. For, The Black Book of Colors, children are invited to make their own fossil relief sculptures. While your child(ren) craft, it’s a perfect time to spark a conversation with them. Find example conversation starters below!
Let’s Make Our Own Fossil Relief Sculptures!
Materials:
white Model Magic
craft stick or pencil
leaves, shells, rocks, etc.
liquid glue
brush (optional)
watercolor paint (optional)
Instructions:
Step 1
EXPLORE all the textures of the materials you have gathered for making your reliefs. UNWRAP the Model Magic and roll it out into a thick pancake shape. ACTIVATE a pencil as a rolling pin!
Step 2
PRESS your object into the thick pancake and pull away slowly. REPEAT and OVERLAP to create many raised relief edges to your design!
Step 3
EXPERIMENT even further by pressing a strong impression into the Model Magic with one of your objects. REMOVE slowly. FILL the relief shape slowly with liquid glue. Let it set for 24 hours. (Do you know another term for 24 hours?)
Step 4
PEEL the Model Magic from the glue shape slowly and carefully. You have now made a Cast Relief as well! BRUSH paint over the textures for added dimension. RECORD your observations with each object and relief style in a journal as a true scientist would!
5 Power Points!
Conversation Starters for Your Craft and Chat!
Discuss the five senses. What are they? Which body part is connected to each?
What does it mean to be blind? How is life different for those with blindness?
Pick a color and describe it. How does it feel, smell, taste, or sound?
Think about textures in nature. Name an object from nature and invite your child(ren) to describe how it feels. Is it rough, smooth, soft, etc?
What is a fossil? What do they show us? Where can you find them?