Cut-Out Continents Mobile

Float from Africa to Asia from Antarctica to the Americas. Explore major lakes and mountain regions from a satellite view. See the world in a new way!

• 1.

  In small groups, explore the seven continents on Earth. Find satellite views of each continent. Locate major lakes and mountain ranges, coastal regions, and boundaries. Gather information about other major features on each continent, such as peninsulas, glaciers, deserts, and rain forests.

• 2.

  Continents are usually presented on globes and maps. How might your group display the continents and their major features in a new way? Try a mobile! Here’s one way to make one.

• 3.

  Outline the shape of each landmass using Crayola Erasable Colored Pencils on patterned paper, making continents to scale. Include details such as inlets, bays, peninsulas, and capes along the coastlines. Mark major lakes, mountain ranges, and other major features.

• 4.

  Use Crayola Scissors to carefully cut around the outline of each continent. Choose the two or three most prominent major features, such as lakes and mountain ranges. Cut small pieces of contrasting-colored paper to place behind your cut-outs. Use a Crayola Glue Stick to attach the papers. If you wish, add another layer of continent-shaped paper on the back to reinforce your continents.

• 5.

  To make a mobile base, cut patterned paper to fit around a cardboard tube. Add a title to your mobile. You might choose CONTINENTS or THE WORLD. Or cut out free-form letters for your title. Attach contrasting paper on the back side of the cut-out words to

• 6.

  Wrap the title around the cardboard tube and glue. Use varying lengths of ribbon, yarn, or string to attach to each continent to the mobile base. Arrange the continents so they hang at different lengths. You’re ready to display your mobile!

Benefits

• Students research major natural features on all seven continents.
• Students compare and contrast continents, their sizes, shapes, and major landforms.
• Students create a unique display of the continents to show major landforms.

Adaptations

• Record facts about each continent to capture student voices. Play recordings in the mobile display area. This is a great way to provide students with written language challenges an opportunity to share what they know.
• Plot major volcanoes on the continents. Twist bits of Model Magic into tiny cone-shaped volcanoes. Glue them in place.
• Assessment: Evaluate student work for correct placement and identification of major landforms. Conduct informal interviews with each small group to assess cooperative efforts and mastery of subject matter.