Fine Arts: Visual Arts

Standard 1: Understanding and Applying Media, Techniques and Processes

• K-4 - Students use different media, techniques and processes to communicate ideas, experiences and stories.
• 5-8 - Students intentionally take advantage of the qualities and characteristics of art media, techniques and processes to enhance communication of their experiences and ideas.

Standard 3: Choosing and Evaluating a Range of Subject Matter, Symbols and Ideas

• K-4 - Students select and use subject matter, symbols and ideas to communicate meaning.
• 5-8 - Students integrate visual, spatial and temporal concepts with content to communicate intended meaning in their artworks.

Source: National Standards for Arts Education

Transform recycled tin cans into fun stilts and sponge paint with any die-cut design. Consider covering the cans with paper and adhering paper die-cuts as well. Enjoy this project as a fun end-of-the-year activity, for summer camp fun or to supplement lessons in recycling and conservation. Any type of can be used to create Can Stilts. Consider tuna cans for younger students. Be sure that the rope ends are securely knotted.

Note: Children should play with Can Stilts under adult supervision. Be sure that students wear socks and closed-toed shoes with thick soles before using stilts. A helmet, knee and elbow pads are helpful and can prevent injury. Children should walk on appropriate surfaces. Exercise caution at all times and consider student abilities when selecting projects.

Figure A

Figure B

Supplies Used: Awl, Can Opener, Paint, Pop-Up Sponge, Rope, Tin Cans, Waxed Paper, Wire Hanger

The teacher will die-cut the materials for student use prior to the lesson.

1. Using a can-opener, the teacher will remove the lids of recycled tin cans. The teacher will wash thoroughly and cover any sharp edges with duct tape. Turn the can so that the sealed end is facing up.
2. The teacher will use the can-opener or awl to poke one hole on either end of the can. Repeat this step with a second can (Figure A).
3. When using juice cans, keep the top and bottom of the can sealed for increased stability. The teacher may poke holes in either side of the can and drain out the juice. The teacher will rinse thoroughly and cover any sharp edges with duct tape (Figure A).
   
4. Paint the cans any solid color and allow to dry.
   
5. Die-cut the Flower and Heart from the Apple, Flower, Heart & Star using Pop-Up Sponges.
   
6. Dampen the Sponges to pop them up and make them pliable for painting.
   
7. Tape down a piece of waxed paper to hold the paint to be shared by several students. Pour a thin layer of paint onto the waxed paper.
   
8. Dip the sponges into the paint and sponge onto the cans. Allow the paint to dry (Figure B).
   
9. The teacher will measure and cut approximately 40" pieces of rope, two pieces per student. When doubled, the rope should be about waist high. Adjust the length of rope as needed for each student.
   
10. Tape the end of one piece and pull through the holes in the can. Tie ends together. Repeat this step for the second can.
11. When using juice cans, the teacher will unwind a metal hanger and thread the rope through the holes in either end of the can (see Main Photo).