How to make a Spirograph and Orbit-Inspired Art
Meets the learning standards for grades 4-5 (can be adapted)
Media Type: Drawing
Subject: English Language Arts and Reading, Science, Social Studies, Fine Arts
Formal Lesson Plan and TEKS Information

The following project includes one full week of lessons pulling inspiration from objects in space to explore the aesthetics of trajectory, repetition, and pattern.  Use common household materials to construct a Spirograph tool. Click through the buttons at the bottom of each page to move on to the next day of lessons!

What is your experience with solar and lunar eclipses? Check out the video below to learn more about them!

Activity:

• Let’s meld science and literature! Often, myths and origin stories were created to explain natural events. Can you think of any examples? The Teton Literacy Center composed this diverse collection of eclipse myths. Read and discuss!
• Practice storytelling and creative writing skills. Let’s create an original “myth” that explains a natural phenomenon Use your imagination, and be as creative as possible. Your topic could include, “Where the sun goes at night,” “Why water only turns solid when it is cold,” “Why dogs choose to live with humans,” “How migrating birds know where to go.”
• Share your stories! Are you inspired to draw an illustration of their story? Explore!
• Ask a friend or family member to record your stories to uploading and sharing with classmates here.

Ready for Day 2?