Tomorrow's Transport

Blast off with an intergalactic glow using a space ship cut-out and Crayola® Colored Art Chalk.

• 1.

  Find out about conditions in space such as temperatures and distances. Where, and how, might people travel between galaxies in the future? Imagine meeting friends in outer space. What might space vehicles look like? Study contemporary flight vehicles. Observe their sleek, symmetrical design. What would need to change for intergalactic travel?

• 2.

  With a ruler, measure an oak tag or poster board rectangle approximately 4 by 6 inches (9 by 15 cm). Cut it out with Crayola Scissors.

• 3.

  Fold the rectangle in half. Design (on one half) and cut out a space vehicle with the paper folded. Unfold it to see a symmetrical design with the fold as the central axis.

• 4.

  Hold the vehicle firmly in place on black construction paper. Place the tip of a piece of Crayola Drawing Chalk on the edge of the vehicle. Stroke firmly off the edge onto the black paper. Continue stroking with the chalk around the entire shape.

• 5.

  While still holding the shape down, use a tissue to brush chalk from the shape outward, creating a galactic glow.

• 6.

  Lift the vehicle, move it, and repeat the process as many times as desired to develop overlapping vehicle effects that add a sense of space and movement.

• 7.

  Move the vehicle again. Without adding more chalk, brush the chalk leftovers off the shape to create a faint, distant-looking afterglow.

Benefits

• Students predict what intergalactic travel might be like in the future, and what kinds of vehicles might be used.
• Children gain a firmer understanding of symmetry and space as they design and overlap images.
• Students use chalk techniques to create a galactic glow.

Adaptations

• Exchange vehicles with others to create a space parade or traffic jam in chalk.
• Test different designs of flying vehicles made with folded paper.
• View space films such as Star Wars and Star Trek.