Lesson Name: Paper Mache Planets

By: Bailey Hines

4-24-13

Materials used: (for a class of approximately 28 students)
Mache Mixture:

-       -7 qt. Flour

-       -14 qt. Water

-       -1 cup 5 tbs. Salt (make sure to add salt to prevent mold)

Planet Materials:

-       28 balloons

-      - Strips of newspaper (Recycled!)

-       -Needle

-       -Paint

--     -String/fish line

Other materials (Optional):

-      - Chip clips (to hang planets to try)

-       -Trash bags/tarp/table cloth/butcher paper (to cover tables to limit mess)

Any resources that helped inspire this project:

http://pinterest.com/pin/279082508129879950/

http://pinterest.com/pin/128915608053760982/

http://pinterest.com/pin/203154633161465901/ (this one was especially cool!! The students poked holes in the paper mache and put lights inside to cast stars around the room! Would be a super awesome special effect to really emphasize the connection to space!)

List the subject that your lesson ties in with:
       This lesson will tie in with a science unit, but also ties in with language arts due to the writing portion.
Step-by-step with text and photos:
1. Take the balloons and blow them up (about the size of a volleyball) 

2. Take flour, water and salt and mix together until the consistency is smooth

3. Take a strip of paper, dip it in the glue mixture, smooth it onto balloon

4. Do this until entire balloon is covered (you shouldn't see the balloon anywhere)

5. Put it on something to try (cup, close line, etc.)

6. Once dry, paint the planet (if you don't have paint you can improvise with markers... that's what I did!

7. Put it somewhere to dry (unless you used markers, then it won't have to dry)

8. Take the paper clip and loop them through the top

9. Tie string and decorate your classroom!!

Extra tips for problem-solving:
        I used butcher paper for this project because I did not have access to newspaper at the time; do not use butcher paper. It is too thick and does not lay nicely. Newspaper will work so much better and result in better outcomes! Don’t pop the balloons until after the students are done painting; the tie of the balloon serves as a great place to hang the planet from when drying. Also, use balloons with bright/noticeable colors so it will be easier to tell whether or not you are covering the balloon. 

          There are so many ways you can adapt paper mache, so get creative!!

Art Vocabulary:  
- Texture: the paper mache creates an interesting texture once it is dry. Especially when dealing with the structure of planets, texture adds an interesting element that can make their planets seem more “life-like.” Planets have mountains and ridges and texture helps give this appearance.

- Color: Depending on what adaptation the teacher decides to do his or her lesson on, the students can use different colors to either replicate a planet in our solar system or the students can get creative and use color to bring their “perfect planet” to life!

- Shape: Discuss how planets look like sphere, but there are many different shapes within each planet.