The Craft Lab

The Big Idea: The Craft Lab scene should be displayed near theentrance to resemble a lab where contraptions are being invented. The classroom should have plenty of lab tables (possibly covered in silver vinyl table cloths) and chairs for the kids to invent their own creations.

Supplies Needed: King-size bed sheet, Trusses, lab tables, faux TV, clear overhead invention, side table inventions and lab equipment. Optional- floor mats and shelves from the classroom for extra lab props

Instructions:

  1. Choose a corner easily noticed as kids enter.
  2. Hang a bed sheet to cover any items in the classroom from this scene (Use bungee cords & safety pins).
  3. Secure the trusses to the ceiling with the magnets or push pins. Hang the first truss in the corner against the wall and tape the bottom to the wall if needed.
  4. Place the lab table between the trusses against the wall by standing up the tubes and laying the table surface on top. Secure the legs with tape.
  5. Hang the clear bowl invention above the table by slipping the ends of the hoses under the tiles of the ceiling or using string and tacks in solid ceilings. Add pipe insulation sections or other lightweight ropes, hoses and such if desired.
  6. If the classroom space allows, provide an island lab table with the over-head clear bowl invention, shelf with more lab equipment and a faux TV.

Tip- Add lighting anytime it is possible to help bring the scene more energy and interest.

Trusses

The Big Idea: These trusses are to provide an industrial look to the lab not hold up the roof. To create the look, the trusses will hang from the ceiling and connect to the wall

Supplies Needed: Full-size gray bed sheet, black permanent markers, three circle patterns, measuring tape and scissors.

Instructions:

  1. Wash and dry the sheet to remove any packaging creases.
  2. Lay the sheet flat on the floor and fold one corner to the opposite corner creating a large triangle.
  3. Measure 12 inches from the fold toward the corner and mark that.
  4. From each end of that fold, draw a straight line from the end (corners) to the mark.
  5. Cut both layers of the sheet along the lines to create both trusses. (Note- you will be cutting away a triangle shape, when unfolded is more of a diamond shape.)
  6. One hemmed edged goes against the ceiling and the other hemmed edge goes against the wall.
  7. Lay the sheet on a flat covered surface.
  8. Locate the center of the truss and trace a circle about the size of a dinner plate.
  9. Move over a couple of inches and trace a circle about the size of a salad plate on both sides of the larger circle. Then repeat with a smaller circle the size of a desert plate.
  10. Draw a shading edge by moving each plate over a bit and trace the edge then filling in with black marker ink. (Note- Fill in both sides since it can be viewed.)
  11. Cut and remove the fabric from the center of the circle.
  12. Add self-adhesive magnets along the top hem of the sheet every 6-10 inches.
  13. Hang the trusses by placing the magnets on the metal tracks of the ceiling and tape along the edge next to the wall.

Lab Table

The Big Idea: This metal lab table is made with mailing tube legs and foil covered cardboard top

Supplies Needed: four mailing tubes or tubes cut at equal lengths, silver spray paint, cardboard (double thickness) cut to your preferred size and shape, aluminum foil and tape

Instructions:

  1. Spray paint the tubes silver
  2. Cover the cardboard with foil and secure with tape
  3. Stand the tubes in place then add the tabletop secure the legs with tape.
  4. Place lightweight lab tools, goggles and items on the table.

Tip- If the lab table is placed in the corner, tape it to the walls for greater stability.

Clear Overhead Invention

The Big Idea: This invention is hanging from the ceiling and will create real interest with the kids.

Supplies Needed: Large clear (disposable) bowl from the party store, short hoses like washing machine hoses, garden hoses, extension cords, pipe insulation sections or other items you might be able to gather without purchasing, a blinking flashlight or two, metal slinky toy or whisk. (Note- The add-on items can get heavy and these are only suggestions. Use whatever you might have on hand to create your invention. Spray paint if nessecary.)

Instructions:

  1. Using a utility knife, cut an X in the bottom of the bowl then push hose end through.
  2. Hang the clear bowl invention above the table by slipping the ends of the hoses under the tiles of the ceiling or using string and tacks in solid ceilings. Add pipe insulation sections or other lightweight ropes, hoses and such if desired.
  3. Inside the bowl, tie blinking flashlights, whisk or slinky to the hose end inside the bowl.

Side Table Inventions

The Big Idea: If space allows, add other tables & shelves to hold meters, magnet toys, and other items of interest to kids. Make items from boxes and add elements of interest.

Supplies Needed:Medium size box, silver spray paint, silver dryer vent hose, and food cling wrap.Gather safe but interesting items from around your home to display. Add lights when possible for greater interest.

Instructions:

  1. Cut windows in all sides of a box.
  2. Spray paint silver.
  3. On the inside, tape food cling wrap or laminating film as windows.
  4. Add any other boxes on top and a silver dryer vent hose stretched from the ceiling to the top of the box.
  5. Add small battery charger or other items to create greater interest.