Butterflies with Janice VanCleave
June 1, 2009
I love butterflies. They are so beautiful. Have you noticed that the upper side of their wings is more brightly colored than the underside? You can make this observation by watching a butterfly fluttering around a flower. When it is flying, the butterfly’s wings are outstretched so that the upper side is visible.
The butterfly in the photo is a Western Pygmy Blue, which is the smallest butterfly. For more information about this tiny beauty, see THE WORLD’S SMALLEST BUTTERFLY.
Butterfly wings are mirror images of each other. That means that theycan fit together.
Try This:
1. Fold a sheet of paper in half three times. Place the shortest sides together with each fold.
2. Starting on the fold side, draw half of a butterfly wing as shown.
3. Cut out the drawing, cutting through all the layers of the paper. Four separate wings will be formed. Note: Use pinking shears to give the wings a saw-toothed edge.
4. Notice that when the wings are open, you can see all of the top side. Fold the wings on the folded crease (original fold) and notice that they fit together perfectly. Even the edges perfectly match because the wings on each side of the body (center) are mirror images.
For More Fun
Place drops of colored paint on the wings on the open wings as sh
own. Try not to get the paint too close to the edges because it will squeeze out the sides. Then fold the wings together and gently press the wings so that the paint colors the wings on both sides of the body.
A stationary butterfly raises and holds its wings together. In this position only the underside of the wings are visible. It is in this position that a butterfly sips the sugary liquid called nectar from inside flowers. While eating, the butterfly is more vulnerable to it predator, such as birds. But, the muted coloring of the underside of a butterfly’s wings makes it less visible. This is because the colors tend to blend in with things around them. This blended is called camouflage.
For a craft that helps to explain camouflage, see BUTTERFLY WINGS.
Send your questions and comments to me at: ASKVANCLEAVE@aol.com
Janice VanCleave’s Big Book of Play and Find Out Science Projects
Broken Crayons
March 24, 2009
Do you have a bag of broken crayons? I have been saving all those in a bag for sometime now. There are so many things you can do with them. I remember when I was a Campfire Girl, we made candles from crayons and milk cartons. That was one of my most memorable crafts as a kid. I am not sure that a candle made of wax from crayons is safe but there are many other more useful ways to remake our crayons. Here is one way to start:
What you’ll need: Broken crayons, metal sheet cake pan, aluminum foil, cookie cutters
Completion Time: Approx 30 minutes
What To Do:
- First, peel all the paper off the broken crayons and discard. If your child is toddler age, you will probably have to do this part yourself. (do not use washable or any specialty type crayons)
- Have your child dump the broken crayons into a foil lined baking pan.
- Bake at 300 degrees for approximately 15 minutes or until crayons are completely melted into a solid, rainbow block.
- Let the melted crayons cool for about 20 minutes.
- Using the foil, lift the block out of the pan and place it on the counter. It will still be warm and soft. This is the consistency you want, because the fun part is next!
- Pick out a few chunky cookie cutters and let your child help to carefully press them all the way down into the wax, making a new crayon each time. You’ll want to start cutting around the edges where it’s cooler, saving the middle for last.
- Place the cut out crayons on a plastic dish to fully cool. Soon you will be coloring together with your chunky, rainbow crayons!
Hopefully these will be more difficult to break!
Caution: Because wax must be melted at a high temperature, and wax is highly flammable, this is not a suitable activity for children. Never leave hot wax unattended and take all appropriate safety precautions to prevent fire or accidents.
Here are some links for fun with your crayon leftovers. I must note that I have not looked extensively at these sites and do not know what other content is on them. I just like these ideas, they are really neat:
Coloring Flags and More
January 20, 2009
Crayola has a great site for coloring and craft resources. Their coloring pages are not just for coloring, they are educational resources too. I searched for flags and it came up with all of the state flags as well as many foreign countries. Each containing facts about the state or country.
I thought this was a good tutorial on making mini books too.
Historical Paper Dolls
January 10, 2009
Get FREE historic paper dolls from Dali. Time periods include the American Revolution, Holidays, Ancient Egypt, Ancient Greece, Biblical Times, King Arthur & Knights, Saints, and the Wild West.
“Inspired by her daughter’s love of paper dolls and her own love of history, Veronica Maria launched Paper Dali as a free resource for homeschooling parents. Paper Dali’s collection of free historical paper dolls makes history come alive for students. Paper Dalis can be used for: coloring pages, notebooking, lapbooks, fact sheets and, of course, just playing.”
Finger Knitting
January 7, 2009
This looks so easy and fun. I can’t wait to show my 5 and 7 year old daughters. They will just love this!
Thanksgiving ~ Setting a Bountiful Table
November 22, 2008
This is a project file in PDF format. Just click on the link and it will take you to full instructions on; How to set a bountiful table, create a Mayflower, turkey, and pilgrim table decorations.
I would like to give credit where credit is due. I have had this in my files for years and do not know the origin. Thank you for such a great project whomever you may be.
A Tree of Thanks
November 12, 2008
I sent the first 80 digits on a quest in the rain. They searched high and low for the perfect branch for our first “Tree of Thanks”. The girls helped me plant the tree and outline the leaves. Then they all put up their first thought of thanks. Every night at dinner we will add to the tree and discuss what the bible says about being thankful. Of course, it is encouraged that if they think of something they are thankful for through the day they can add to it too.
Thanksgiving is a holiday that began in America for us to give thanks to God for His blessings upon our lives. Here are some verses to get you started:
Recycled Glove Craft Project
November 4, 2008
“Gloves (like socks), while born to be part of a pair, often end their days in lonely solitude, separated from their mates by the forces of the universe that conspire at every turn to pull them apart. Alone, they sadly serve little purpose (aside from the occasional show biz appearance for only the most sparkling among them), and are left to languish in the backs of a drawers and bottoms of closets — that is, if they’re not disposed of all together. Ah… but it’s a new day. Crafter and author Miyako Kanamori has a plan and she’s ready to share it!”
For full instructions please visit The Storque or check out the book it came from and more fun projects in Happy Gloves: Charming Softy Friends Made from Colorful Gloves by Miyako Kanamori.
or for another fun craft using gloves visit this blog entry: Whipup Handcraft in a Hectic World
