Painting the Solar System

Using paints or crayons to draw the solar system is always a fun activity for kids.

clipart by www.graphicsfactory.com

Another fun way to paint a picture of the solar system is to use Microsoft's Paint Program which is a simple graphic painting program that is part of the Microsoft Windows Program.  It is usually called MS Paint or Microsoft Paint or Paint. It has artistic brushes that the kids can use to make some really coooool pictures. They can save the pictures on the computer, print them out, or email their pictures to family and friends! I'd love to receive more kids' pictures to add to this post!  Send me the kids' pictures. I'll add them here!

Here are some pictures created on the computer in the Microsoft Paint Program:

Another fun way to draw the solar system is to use chalk and your driveway or sidewalk. I've also done this with kids at the park on the concrete. Kids love it because they can make their pictures really BIG! It's also a nice recess activity in the schoolyard.

Animal Camouflage Game

• Discuss the definition of camouflage. (Have the students look up the definition in a dictionary.)
• Tell children that they will be hanging up a butterfly in the room after they color it.
• Explain that the goal of the game is to have their butterfly be visible but camouflaged so that the other kids have a hard time finding it.

• Have students look around the room for possible spots to hang their butterfly.
• Give children a simple butterfly shape to color or let them draw and color their own butterfly.

• Next children should cut out their butterfly shape. (Use pre-cut butterflies for younger students.)
• Give each student a small piece of tape to use with their butterfly.
• Have children close their eyes while one child hangs up his/her butterfly somewhere in the room.The butterfly can not be hidden behind anything!
• Have children take turns looking for the butterfly (that is camouflaged). Have fun!

clipart by www.GraphicsFactory.com

• Extension: Discuss other animals that also use camouflage and how it helps them.