Salt/Glitter Fireworks
In this activity, students will create their own shimmering firework designs using glue, table salt, and either watercolor paints, food dye, or colored glitter. This hands-on craft illustrates creativity and can be linked to cultural and historical facts about fireworks.
Fun Facts/Information:
- Fireworks were invented by the Chinese back in the second century.
- In many cultures around the world, fireworks are used for celebrations.
- Fireworks were first used in the United States in 1777 to celebrate Independence Day.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the artistic techniques for creating firework effects using simple household items.
- Learn about the historical origins of fireworks and their cultural significance.
- Explore how different mediums (salt, glue, paints, glitter) create different visual effects.
Materials:
- 1 Sheet of Cardstock (black paper works best)
- Elmer's White Glue
- ¼ cup of table salt
- Food dye, water paints, or glitter (3oz.) in the following colors red, orange, blue, yellow, and green
- Use a paintbrush if using food dye or watercolor paints.
- 1 cup of water (if using a paintbrush)
- Newspaper or plastic bag
- Writing utensil
- 1 suction cup or 1 magnet (optional)
Procedure:
- Preparation
Place the newspaper or plastic bag under your cardstock to protect the surface. - Draw the Fireworks
Using a writing utensil, freehand draw lines of fireworks bursting into the night sky. Create more than one scene of fireworks. - Apply the Glue
Lightly squeeze a small amount of Elmer's Glue over the drawn lines. Avoid thick glue lines to prevent overlapping. - Sprinkle the Salt
Sprinkle small amounts of salt over the glue lines using your thumb and forefinger. Gently shake off excess salt over a trash can.
Watercolor Paints or Food Dye Method:
- Wet a paintbrush in a cup of water and select a color.
- Lightly spread the color over one of the glue/salt lines using the paintbrush.
- Rinse the brush and repeat with the remaining colors until all lines are colored.
- Let the fireworks display completely dry.
Glitter Method:
- Sprinkle a small amount of colored glitter over the glue lines, keeping each color separate.
- Repeat this process for each glue line, using different glitter colors.
- Allow the glue and glitter to dry completely.
- Gently shake off excess glitter over a trash can.
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