Can Critter

Create a funny critter using a recycled soda can!

Skill Level: Moderate

Time Needed: 1/2 hour a day for 2 days

Age(s): 6 to 12

Supplies Needed:

Project Rating:

DAY ONE:

1. Have an adult help you smash an empty soda can into an interesting shape.
Paint the can to look like and animal, a monster, an alien, or a person. Let the paint dry overnight.

DAY TWO:

Attach Jiggly Eyes, pom poms, and other items to the can using Elmer's Glue-All™. Let the glue completely.
Add decoration to your critter using Elmer's 3D Washable Paint Pens™. Let the paint dry completley.
Give your critter a funny name and display it!

Teaching Tips:

Discuss recycling with your students. Talk about the importance of practicing the three Rs—reducing, reusing, and recycling. Ask students to brainstorm ways that they can reduce the amount of trash they produce. Ask students to brainstorm ways that they can reuse things more than once. (This project is a great example of reusing an item in a different way.) Ask students to list all of the items that they recycle in their homes. Remind students that it is important to recycle aluminum soda cans!
Ask students to write a character description of the critters they created. Encourage students to include information like the critter's name, physical description, list of favorites, hobbies, family members, and friends. Place students character descriptions with their critters around the classroom.
Have students write a short story about the critters they created. Give students a prompt to help them get started, such as "One day at school, something unbelievable happened to {critter's name}."