Science: Physical Science

As a result of activities in grades K-4, all students should develop an understanding of:

• properties of objects and materials.
• position and motion of objects.

As a result of activities in grades 5-8, all students should develop an understanding of:

• properties and changes of properties in matter.
• motions and forces.

Science: Earth Science

As a result of activities in grades K-4, all students should develop an understanding of:

• properties of earth materials.
• objects in the sky.
• changes in earth and sky.

Source: National Science Education Standards

Following a unit on conservation, the class may collect aluminum cans as a fundraiser to protect local habitats. The class will create wind chimes from some cans to demonstrate the value of recycling. These wind chimes can be shared as unique gifts!

Figure A

Figure B

Supplies Used: Fishing Line, Glue, Permanent Markers, Plastic, Aluminum Cans, Cardstock, Scissors, String, Yarn

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

1. Die-cut a LG Lacing Square #2 using cardstock, chipboard, thin plastic or a flattened aluminum can.
2. Create a hanger for the wind chime by cutting two 30" lengths of fishing line, yarn or string. Tie one length to two opposite corners of the Lacing Square and the other length to the other two opposite corners (Figure A).
3. Alternatively, punch a hole in the center of the Lacing Square. Cut a 10" length of ribbon. Fold the ribbon in half and push the loop through the hole. Knot the two ends together on the underside of the Square (Figure B).
4. Carefully cut open and flatten various aluminum cans the students have brought in for recycling and fundraising projects.
5. Die-cut a flattened aluminum can with the LG Clothespin Critter, Butterfly. Die-cut four to eight Butterflies for each student. The aluminum can may now be handled carefully by students, as the edge has been beveled by the die.
6. Attach the body to the Butterfly wings using a glue gun.
7. Punch a hole in each Butterfly head using the Fiskars 1/16" Circle Hand Punch.
8. Students may decorate each Butterfly using permanent markers.
9. Cut lengths of fishing line 8" to 12" long and tie one length to each decorated Butterfly. Tie the fishing line to the Lacing Square for the completed wind chime (see Main Image).
10. Create this project using any die-cut. Consider using the Basic Beginnings Tree (see Main Image 2).