Green Kids Workshops
March 14th - 18th, 2011
10 A.M. - Noon ~ Ages 4 & Up
Facilitated by: Lisa Gerwulf, Assistant Naturalist
Wapsi River Environmental Education Center
Monday 3/14 - Flower Power!
This project utilizes normally discarded cardboard in various forms (egg cartons, paper towel/toilet tubes) to create life-like flowers. Due to the time needed for paint to dry before assemblage, a separate activity of using plastic bottle bottoms as stamps to create a flower mosaic on paper or acetate sheets is part of this activity and keeps with the flower theme.
Tuesday 3/15 - Signs of Spring
Egg Carton Greenhouse ~ This project utilizes 8-holes of a cardboard egg carton as seed starter pots that can then be planted directly into a garden come springtime. The addition of a clear, plastic bag creates an almost terrarium-like environment allowing for minimal care. The project becomes its own science fair project by visually showcasing the water cycle concepts of evaporation, condensation and transpiration.
Owl Scarecrow ~ This project utilizes the left-over, 4-holes of the egg cartons used above by creating an owl face that is then wrapped in aluminum foil (weatherproofing), embellished with yellow plastic tops and black buttons, and then glued to an aluminum pie plate. Once completed and hung in the garden from a chain of pop bottle plastic rings, the owl acts much in the same way as a traditional scarecrow does - to scare away would-be vegetable nibblers.
Wednesday 3/16 - Games Galore
Tangram ~ This project puts a modern twist on an ancient Chinese game. Storytelling is an important part of Asian culture and tangrams play a part by providing a tool for illustration. The use of various math concepts are just part of creating the puzzle and participants of all ages can grasp them.
Tic-Tac-Toe ~ This project utilizes various cardboard and plastic elements to create a old, family favorite. A cleverly converted entrée box creates convenient storage to make this game vary portable.
Thursday 3/17 - Heavy Metal Belt
This project utilizes pop can tabs and "plarn" (plastic yarn) to create a belt of retro and Art Nuevo styling.
Friday 3/18 - A Tisket, A Tasket, a Recycled Trinket Basket
This project utilizes a plastic pop bottle bottom as the base for the basket. Then uses "plarn" (plastic yarn) and pop can tabs to create a decorative edge around the top.
Studio and materials fee: $5 per workshop per child
(All participants will receive one free pass for "drop in art" and a mini playkit!
Must be registered by 2 P.M. one day in advance of each workshop. Limit 25 per class.
Register by calling: (563) 289-3946 or email: Angie@reusableusables.org
Reusable Usables Creative Arts Center
322 N Cody
LeClaire, IA 52753
Recycled Stitches Program Planned
On Saturday, March 19th at 2:00 P.M. the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center will host a recycled stitches program. Come join naturalist Lisa Gerwulf as she shows you how to create a uniquely versatile yarn from recycled plastic bags. "Plarn" (plastic yarn) is not a new fad, but rather a frugal technique reminiscent of the Depression Era. Participants will learn about the plastic industry, plastic's waste-to-energy potential, as well as how to create two versions of "yarn" out of recycled shopping/grocery bags. Knitted, crocheted, woven, braided and corded items will also be on display. Those interested need not be fancywork experts to enjoy this program. Each participant needs to bring 5 plastic shopping/grocery bags and a pair of sharp scissors. If you have access to a quilting tool called a rotary cutter and mat, consider bringing these. Pre-registration is required, by calling (563) 328-3286 to reserve your spot.
The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center can be found 6 miles south of Wheatland or 1 mile northwest of Dixon, Iowa by taking County Road Y4E. Then turn north at 52nd Avenue and follow the signs for about 1 mile.
