Metallic Galactic Mobile

Creative writing goes intergalactic with imaginary planet mobiles and fictional adventures in a new galaxy.

• 1.

  Imagine that you discover several new planets in this or another galaxy. Gather several round, flat objects with different circumferences, or use a drawing compass. For each imaginary planet, trace three identical circles on white construction paper with Crayola® Colored Pencils. Cut out circles with Crayola Scissors.

• 2.

  Use gel markers to design unique planetary atmospheres, making the three circles for each planet similar. Design colorful cloud formations and interesting continent configurations. Use Crayola Washable Glitter Glue to add atmospheric effects and reflections from suns. Dry.

• 3.

  For each planet, fold all three circles in half. Attach a long piece of yarn to the back of the fold on one circle with Crayola School Glue. Glue the back side of halves to each other so that all three circles are glued together in a three-dimensional formation, with the yarn coming out of the top of the planet.

• 4.

  Design a space ship using the same technique. Cut out three symmetrical and identical space ship shapes. Design the ship with metallic crayons, fold, attach string, then glue all three pieces together.

• 5.

  Measure and cut construction paper to fit around a long recycled cardboard tube. Write the name of your galaxy in large metallic letters on the paper. Glue to the tube. Tie planets onto tube. Hang mobile from the ceiling with additional yarn.

• 6.

  Write a story with Crayola Colored Pencils about how you discovered each planet. Make sure your story has a beginning, middle, and end.

Benefits

• Students create 3-dimensional models of their own imaginary galaxies of newly discovered planets.
• Children write fictional accounts of their experiences visiting each new planet.
• Student writing includes a recognizable beginning, middle, and end.

Adaptations

• For an interesting story format, fold writing paper into thirds. In the top section write about your arrival on one of your planets, including details about the landing and your first impressions. In the middle section write about an important discovery y
• Everyone in the class thinks up possibilities for beginnings, middles, and ends for student writing. Think of different ways a space ship could land. Imagine various elements for the setting. List things that could be discovered on the planets. Think of d
• Do a story round, with different students writing each section of the story. Read them aloud to each other.
• Younger children and those with special needs may need assistance when writing stories. Invite older students or classroom volunteers to assist in transcribing children's ideas for them. Students add symbolic pictures around transcribed stories with colored pencils.