Sugar Skull Art Project

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This is a super simple art activity that comes out amazing every time. You can either use the sugar skulls and simply color them, or have your students come up with their own version. We usually do both. First, we have the kids color, and then they create their own sugar skull drawings. We loved to use markers, but oil pastels or crayons look great as well.

Materials

  • Sugar skull printouts
  • Colored markers or crayons
  • Colorful construction paper

We introduce our students to the Day of the Dead, and then show them examples of the whimsical and colorful skulls that brighten this Holiday. We give each student a copy of our sugar skull and bright construction paper. They simply color the patterns, cut out the skull, and glue it on colorful construction paper.

We have more great art projects on our (Almost) No Prep Art Projects page.

Bridge Making STEAM Challenge

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Where science ends, art begins.”

~Charles Nègre

How many bears can cross your bridge? Are you looking to implement  Science, technology, engineering, art, and math, also known as STEAM, in your classroom?  This activity might be just the ticket. You probably already have all the supplies necessary.

Our counting bears were stranded on islands separated by a deep ocean trench populated by kraken, sharks, and mermaids.  They needed help to connect their islands and make peace with their ocean neighbors.  The bears could only find popsicle sticks, clothespins, masking tape, and string.  Would they be able to bridge the islands without falling into the dangerous waters? Would their bridge be functional as well as beautiful? The mysterious creatures of the deep agreed to let the bears safely cross the bridges if they showed innovative and aesthetically pleasing design.  Would the bears be able to make peace and connect their islands?

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We divided the class in small groups of about five students and they went to work. The kids came up with many different bridge designs and safety features for bears.  Some bears were wearing safety harnesses in case they fell. They considered how the sea creatures would feel about the bridges and what designs would be most appreciated.

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We are glad to report that all bridges held and the bears are now able to visit each other without danger! The bears and the magical creatures of the deep have learned to live in harmony and peace. Team STEAM has come to the rescue again!

Potato Planters

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We are studying tubers and grasses. What better way than to make potato planters?

Ingredients

  • Large potatoes
  • Melon Baller
  • Rye seeds
  • Toothpicks
  • Pipe cleaners
  • Beads
  • Puff balls
  • Googly eyes
  • Potting soil

Procedure

Day 1

Hollow the potatoes with a melon baller the day before. This is best done by a teacher or volunteer. Mix the grass seeds with potting soil and water. The seeds will get a head start on germination.

Day 2

Have the kids decorate the planters with the craft materials. There is no wrong way to make a potato sculpture.

  
  
Keep watering the planters and the creature will grow grass fur and potato plant legs. The longer the sculptures are kept the more interesting they get!

Day 8

Time for a haircut! Simply have the kids cut the grass with scissors. It will make your room smell like a fresh cut lawn.

  

Gustav Klimt Trees

Gustave Klimt Tree of Life

Gustav Klimt was the son of a gold engraver and included gold in many of his art pieces. The bold colors and shapes lend themselves to being recreated by small hands. The Tree of Life is one of his most famous works and often replicated.

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Materials

  • Construction paper
  • Tempera paint
  • Brushes in different sizes
  • Paper plates
  • Easel or newspaper to protect the working surface

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Procedure

Introduce Klimt and his work. Google images of the tree of life can be found here. Demonstrate loading the brush with gold paint and how to create the tree shape. Let the art work dry after painting the tree. Continue painting with white, silver, orange, and black tempera paint.  The shapes really pop if they are outlined with black paint.

Paul Klee Castles


Paul Klee castles are a great way to introduce kids to this wonderful artist.

Materials

  • Newsprint paper
  • Pastels
  • Marker
  • Watercolor

Procedure

Introduce the students to Paul Klee. Show the class several examples of his work. Demonstrate how to use shapes to draw a castle. Explain that they will make the outline with black oil pastel and then color in the shapes with watercolor and marker. Have fun!

St. Patrick’s Day Art Activity

St Patrick's Day Shamrock

This beautiful art activity is a great way for your students to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.  They draw a shamrock and create the lines with a ruler. Then kids simply add tangle patterns. You can create a beautiful display or send the project home for some Irish appreciation.

Supplies

  • Markers
  • Crayons
  • Ruler
  • Pencil
  • Google images of tangle patterns

Demonstrate how to draw a shamrock.  Show how to draw lines using a ruler. Share some pattern ideas with the class. We usually draw some patterns on the board.  Your students might want to draw with a pencil first and outline with a black marker later. Don’t forget to have fun!

Read Across America Chalkboard Art

Lorax Quote

This is a simple art activity for Dr. Seuss Day.  It requires (almost) no prep and comes out great. You will be surprised how creative you class is!

Materials:

  1. Chalk
  2. Black Construction Paper
  3. Dr. Seuss Books
  4. Google Images of Dr. Seuss Quotes

Procedure:

  1. Read you favorite Dr. Seuss book.
  2. Share Google Images of Dr. Seuss quotes.
  3. Write your favorite quotes on the board.
  4. Demonstrate how to use chalk.

Have fun!