Location: indoor or outdoor

Materials: coat hangers, string, paper, tape, other found objects

Inspired by the art of Alexander Calder, who used wire and metal to create beautiful hanging mobiles, this is an example of a project that includes both engineering and art.

It can be helpful to either print out pictures of Calder's work or make an example of your own to inspire your children in their creation. One way to introduce this activity is to work together as a group to create a mobile by inviting each child to choose an element to add. Then, during free choice time you can invite children to either continue adding on to the class mobile or invite children to make their own.

This is an example of a very open-ended art project. Yes, you will end up with mobiles at the end, however there is a huge amount of freedom in what that looks like. You can include found objects, elements from nature like leaves and flowers, different paper shapes, cardboard, and more. The sky is the limit!

Display your mobiles near a window or fan and observe how they move throughout the day.