Get ready for this Halloween balancing project! Using different-sized styrofoam balls, foam and pipe cleaners, your child will practice the art of balance and counterbalance while trying to assemble a free-standing sculpture of crazy eyes! The balls are held together with toothpicks, and the foam is glued in place. The arms that come out of the eyes are the trick to perfecting the balance. If Crazy Eyes leans too far left, watch out—he may fall over! But, if counterbalanced with a large hand on the right, he'll stand up straight!
What You Need:
- 1 large styrofoam ball
- 2 medium styrofoam balls
- Googly eyes (assorted sizes)
- Foam sheets
- Low heat glue gun (optional)
- Tempera paint (red)
- Pipe cleaners
What You Do:
- Have your child design eyes using red paint and googly eyes on each of the foam balls. Allow them to dry.
- Ask her to use the toothpicks to start assembling the foam balls into position. Lay Crazy Eyes's body on a table (he won't balance at first).
- Have her cut some pipe cleaners to create arms. Push them into the styrofoam.
- Draw, cut and glue on feet and hands.
- Encourage her to add googly eyes and move around the parts until Crazy Eyes is balanced and can stand on his own.