Sticky Nature Collage

Materials

Clear contact paper

Instructions

1. Cut the contact paper so that
it fits in the window of the
frame, overlapping the frame
a bit so you can stick it down.
Peel the contact paper and
stick it to the frame so that
the sticky side of the paper
shows on the front of the
frame. Secure the back with
masking tape.
2. Take the children to a nice
spot on the play yard that has
a good combination of grass,
dirt, small pebbles, and weeds.
Gently brush away any bugs
from the area so they will not
be harmed.
3. Have the children turn the framed contact paper sticky side down, and gently but firmly press it
into the grass and dirt. They should rub their hands over it so that it picks up a variety of natural
materials from the ground.
4. Turn it over and see if enough "good stuff" has stuck to it. If not, try again in a different part of
the yard to add different plants and pebbles.
5. Continue until you are satisfied with the way the nature collage looks.
6. Use magnifying glasses to inspect the things that are now stuck to the collage.
More to do
Math: Make a graph to represent the variety of items you have on your collage. Label the
columns as plants, rocks, twigs, etc. Make a mark or place a sticker in each column for each item of
that type you find.
More art: Add a 3-D effect to your frame by gluing on bits of twigs, small pebbles, and leaves.
After using magnifying glasses to have a good look at the objects stuck to your collage, have children
draw what they see. Post the drawings in the room.
Science: Have a naturalist visit your room to talk to the children about insects that are indigenous
to your area.