• 1.

  Find out what symbols are used at various holidays such as Chanukah or Christmas. Talk with your classmates about why recycling is a responsible choice.

• 2.

  Use recycled CDs as the base for ornaments to decorate at almost any holiday. Here are some ideas to get you started. First, trace around your CD on paper with Crayola Markers. Cut out two circles for each ornament with Crayola Scissors.

• 3.

  For a Chanukah ornament, draw a Star of David, dreidel, or other holiday symbol on two circles. Cut them out. Draw another Chanukah symbol in the center, such as a menorah. Color the symbols. Use a Crayola Glue Stick to attach one to each side of a CD. The shiny CD will show all around.

• 4.

  To make a Christmas ornament like the one shown, draw curved stripes across two circles. Alternate widths, starting with a thick stripe, then a thin stripe, and so on. Color the thick stripes. Cut out the stripes. Discard the thin stripes. Glue on the stripes to fit the shape of the CD. Leave space where the thin stripes would have fit so the shiny CD shows through.

• 5.

  Cut yarn to make hanger for your ornaments. Tuck the yarn behind the paper on the each side of the ornament or thread it through the hole in the center.

• 6.

  Embellish one side of your ornament with Crayola Glitter Glue. Air-dry the glue completely.

• 7.

  Turn the ornament over and embellish the other side. Air-dry before explaining to your classmates why you chose your ornament’s symbols. Consider giving your ornament as a gift!

Benefits

• Students consider reasons why recycling is an Earth-friendly action.
• Students gather information about symbols used for various holidays.
• Students discuss the significance of holiday ornaments and family heirlooms before creating their own symbolic ornament.

Adaptations

• Make ornaments for Valentine’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, or any other holidays.
• An adult or classmate may need to cut out the circles for some students who have special needs.
• Create unique holiday ornaments, wreaths, or mobiles using CDs and other recycled materials.
• Incorporate recycled CDs in other school projects, such as sculptures, collages, science fair exhibits, and drawings.