Pencil - Page 2 of 4

The Cardboard Whiz Spinner

Steps:

Trace a medium circle on a piece of cardboard using a bowl.
Cut the circle out using your scissors.
Use your markers to draw colorful patterns on both sides of the circle.
Use a pencil to poke two small holes near the center of the circle.
Thread a long piece of yarn through both holes and tie the ends.
Center the circle on the yarn and hold a loop in each hand.
Swing the circle in a jump-rope motion to twist the yarn.
Pull your hands apart quickly to make the circle spin and hum!

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required when using a pencil to poke holes.

The Paper Roll Marble Plunge

Steps:

Use a marker to draw three small ‘X’ marks on the side of your long paper roll.
Have an adult help you poke a small hole through each ‘X’ mark using a pencil tip.
Push one craft stick through each hole so it stretches all the way across the inside of the tube.
Wrap a piece of masking tape over the bottom of the paper roll to seal it shut tightly.
Stand the roll upright inside a plastic container and drop five marbles into the top of the tube.
Slowly pull the bottom craft stick out and listen for the marbles to drop to the next level.
Remove the remaining sticks one by one until all the marbles are resting on the bottom tape.
Peel the tape away to let the marbles plunge into the container for a grand finale!

Safety Tip:
Marbles are a major choking hazard. This activity is for school-age children, but always keep marbles away from younger siblings.

The Silver Pan Web Weaver

Steps:

Use markers to draw ten dots around the rim of the pan.
Use a pencil to poke a hole through each dot.
Tie one end of the yarn to the first hole.
Thread the yarn across the pan to another hole.
Continue until the silver web is finished!

Safety Tip:
Poking holes with a pencil requires steady hands. Always supervise your child to prevent any pokes to the skin.

The Aluminium Pan Sifter Shake

Steps:

Place the Aluminium Foil Pan upside down on a table.
Use a pencil to poke ten holes through the bottom of the pan.
Flip the pan over and set it on top of a large bowl.
Pour a cup of dry rice and a handful of beads into the pan.
Hold the edges of the pan with both hands.
Shake the pan side to side to sift the rice into the bowl.
Use your pinching fingers to pick up the remaining beads!

Safety Tip:
Always supervise children during this activity. The pencil has a sharp point, and the rice and beads are small objects that can be a choking hazard.

The Button Balance Scale

Steps:

Lay a pencil flat on a table. Use a small piece of masking tape to stop it from rolling.
Place the middle of the ruler on top of the pencil. It should tilt back and forth like a seesaw.
Use your thumb and pointer finger to pick up a single button from your collection.
Place the button gently on one end of the ruler.
Now, try to place a second button on the other side to balance the weight.
When the ruler stays level without touching the table, your child has mastered the challenge of finding the center of gravity.
Keep adding buttons to see how many the scale can hold before it tips.

Safety Tip:
Adult supervision is required. Buttons are a choking hazard. Keep them away from small children and pets at all times.