The Art of Making: STEM Spring Creations (4 Weeks)

This four-week STEAM class invites young learners to create crafts that focus on nature and forces, like wind and propulsion. Each class will provide learners with the opportunity to create something new. From beautiful monarch butterflies to aerodynamic airplanes, this class serves as a wonderful introduction to art.

Projects will vary; however, the following is a sample schedule. Every other offering of this class will repeat.

Day 1
Circle Glider
We'll begin class with a brief discussion on airplanes and how they stay in the air. Then, we’ll use a printout, straw, construction paper, tape, and coloring tools to create gliders that fly!

Day 2
Soaring Rockets
We'll begin class with a brief class discussion about rockets and propulsion. We may also watch a short launch video. Then, we'll use a printout, bendy straw, paper, scissors, tape, glue stick, and coloring tools to create rockets that actually lift-off.

Day 3
Colorful Hot Air Balloon
We’ll begin class with a discussion about hot air balloons - what they are, how they rise, and how they come back down. Then, we'll use construction paper, scissors, yarn, and glue to create a colorful hot air balloon.

Day 4
Rainbow Suncatcher
We’ll begin class with a lesson on rainbows – how they’re made, the colors they contain, and why and under which conditions we can see them. We may also watch a short video. Then, we'll use a printout, scissors, gift tissue paper, and contact paper to create a rainbow suncatcher.

OR

Day 1
DIY Puffy Paint Earth 
We'll begin our 3-part lesson on renewable resources with a discussion about our planet, earth. In honor of Earth Day, we'll also talk about conservation. Then, we'll use a microwave, flour, baking powder, salt, food coloring, cardstock (not construction paper), and water to a beautifully textured earth.

Day 2
3D Sun Wand
Building on the lesson from the previous class, we'll have a brief class discussion about the sun (the closest star) and solar power. Then, we'll use a printout, scissors, construction paper, skewer, and glue to create a 3D Sun wand.

Day 3
Working Pinwheel
Wrapping up our 3-part lesson on renewable resources, we'll begin class with a discussion about wind turbines and the power of the wind. Then, we'll use a printout, construction paper, scissors, bendy straw, two tiny rubber bands, and a glue stick to create a working pinwheel.

Day 4
3D Butterfly Life Cycle
We'll have a brief class discussion about the life cycle of the monarch butterfly. We'll also watch a short video. Then, we'll use a printout, scissors, white glue, pom poms, paper plate, and gift tissue to create a 3D butterfly life cycle model.

NOTE: Class requires a minimum of 5 students to move forward. If low enrollment becomes a concern, I'll reach out to parents directly with options that include a full refund.