Creative Corner

Welcome to my creative space!

This page has been created to post simple, fun crafts and activities for students and families to do at home during holidays, distance learning, vacations, or just for the fun of it. Most project supplies are common household items or inexpensive and easy to find.

Any videos posted will be kid-friendly showing me, my family, or colleagues creating fun things for you to try at home. Please keep in mind that I am a teacher, not a professional videographer, so I apologize in advance for any microphone difficulties or shakey, blurry images.

If you have any project recommendations or requests, please email me at aaustin@alexander.k12.nc.us and I will try to help.

Tin Can Gardening.mp4

Tin Can Gardening and Seed Sprouting

Materials needed:

  • Empty, cleaned metal cans

  • Cardboard egg crate

  • Potting soil

  • Garden plants or seeds

  • Drill (to make drain holes in the bottom of cans)

Activity added 4/1/2020

Bartholomew's Oobleck: An Earth Day Activity for the Dr. Seuss Book

For this activity you will need the following:

  • measuring cups, clean mixing bowl, and stirring spoon

  • 1 cup water

  • 1 1/2 to 2 cups cornstarch

  • food coloring (any color although, Bartholomew's Oobleck was green)

Added 4/28/2020

Bartholomew's Oobleck.mp4

Butterfly Craft

For this activity you will need the following:

  • white coffee filters

  • washable markers (Mr. Sketch work best but any will work)

  • small glasses of water

  • pipe cleaners or bread ties

  • string (optional: to hang)

  • newspaper (to protect workspace and allow for drying)

Procedure:

  1. Lay coffee filters flat on newspaper.

  2. Use any color marker to make a large, thick circle in the unruffled center of each filter. (Brown and black will give best results)

  3. Use a pencil to write inside the circle what color marker you used. (This will not alter the outcome or be seen in the final product)

  4. Fold coffee filter in half, then half again (fourths) to make a triangular shape.

  5. Place the white TIP (inside of circle) ONLY into a small glass of water.

  6. Gently spread the ruffled edges out to support the filter and pervent it from falling all the wat down into the water.

  7. Wait several minutes for the filter will absorb water to wet the entire filter. As this happens the colors will separate.

  8. When the color from the marker reaches the outer edge of the filter, remove from water and allow to dry completely.

  9. When dry, bundle the coffee filter through the center and secure with a pipe cleaner or bread tie.

  10. Attach a small length of string to hang your butterfly and ENJOY!