Materials
Manila paper
Masking tape
Tempera paint
Plastic soda straws, one per child
Instructions
What to do
1. Use masking tape to fasten the paper to the table.
2. Place a spoonful of tempera paint near the bottom of the paper.
3. Invite the children to blow through the straws, moving the paint without touching it.
4. Show them how to create a design by moving the straws and changing the direction of the air.
5. They should continue to blow until the paint is evenly distributed.
6. Encourage the children to name their creation. Does it look like a spider, an octopus, a tree?
More to do
More art: Use black tempera paint to make trees. When the paint is dry, tissue paper scraps may
be pasted onto the branches. Use light green and pastel blossoms for spring or autumn colors.
Science: Use the activity to illustrate the power of moving air. For older children, compare results
of blowing with or without the straw. Which is easier? Which has better results? Why? (Channeling
the air increases the pressure and gives better control.)
