While reading Wump World, the students were able to relate the pollution and destruction that was happening in Wump World to their own world. To show how companies are trying to keep our environment clean, we did an experiment with cornstarch packing peanuts and regular styrofoam. When both items were placed in water, the students discovered that the packing peanuts were able to dissolve. They made the connection that these packing peanuts are better for our environment because they will dissolve in rain, and not remain on earth for over a million years to decompose like styrofoam does.
The kids had so much fun with the experiment that we decided to use Magic Nuddles, which are essentially the cornstarch packing peanuts, but colored, to create sculptures. All they had to do was use a tiny bit of water, and the Magic Nuudles would stick together. They were very creative in their designs.
From there, we extended the activity even further. We had been learning about propaganda in language arts, and the techniques that advertisers use with it. To practice some of these techniques, we had the students create their own advertisement for Magic Nuudles. We required them to incorporate some of techniques we had learned, such as bandwagon, cute characters or celebrities, or slogans and catch phrases. We knew this would be an engaging activity for the end of the year, but we were pleasantly surprised at how well they accurately used some of the propaganda techniques. This was the first time we have ever done this activity, and we will for sure do it again in the upcoming school year.
Have a great week!
Kim and Anne
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