Blast Off…..

3,2,1 

I just love the contrast of black and white, so to add to our thematic unit on Space I had my current 3rd graders create their own black and white spaceship. This was done within two 40 minutes classes. One class for adding pencil designs with very simple shapes and the other class period painting and outlining with one color of paint.

 I have five 3rd grade classes. I wanted to switch it up with some classes creating black spaceships with white paint and other classes painting white background ships with black paint. 

 I did provide a pattern for the spaceship so they all looked identical. In my grand scheme of things I wanted REPETITION in the display. 

Once they traced the pattern they added geometric shapes to their spaceship.  This is where their individuality came out. Students loved adding patterns to their ships using shapes as well as just using one color. Some students really submerged themselves by adding very small details (you know the student who is still designing while the others have left the classroom and are down in the cafeteria for lunch) while others added large simple shapes. 

I also had students paint SPACE ideas on large display paper. This was done on another day. First we brainstormed some ideas then the paint and brushes were passed out.

 Students really took off with fun designs! 

I displayed some of the spaceships in a checkerboard pattern. It was so striking to see down the hallway. I also added some fun flames and the words BLAST OFF to complete the installation.

Other spaceships were cut out and displayed down the hallways in a fun flight pattern.

Materials

12 x 18 Black and White Construction Paper

Black and White Tempera paint

Small tempera brushes

It has been shown that little ones love the black and white contrast. I can say our preschool kiddos loved this display as well as some bigger kids too! 

Keep on Creating!

Laura